It began with an announcement, in mid-January, that he would return to Kansas for one more season.
What transpired from there was arguably the greatest individual season — in terms of both on-field production and program impact — that we’ve seen in the history of Kansas football.
KU running back Devin Neal not only tackled his goal of breaking every major rushing record in the school’s history books, but he also became a legend for the way he cared, how hard he worked and how much crimson and blue he had running through his veins.
Neal leaves Kansas, the program he grew up watching in his hometown of Lawrence, with the following school records:
• Career rushing yards – 4,343
• Career rushing TDs – 49
• Career total TDs – 53
• 1,000-yard rushing seasons – 3
• 100-yard rushing games – 20
Neal’s legacy at Kansas will forever outlast any single record, season, moment or play.
But because so many of these milestones took place during 2024, it only felt right to honor them one last time before we usher in 2025 and the next generation of Kansas football.
Someday someone will come along who will challenge Neal’s records. Maybe not all of them. But some of them. Someday.
Even when that happens, though, Neal will remain one of the greatest players to ever strap on a helmet for the Jayhawks.
Here’s a look back at our favorite images of the man they call “Real Deal” from the 2024 season.
— For tickets to all KU athletic events, visit kuathletics.com
