LAWRENCE, Kan. – Following a record-setting performance in Kansas’ 45-36 win over No. 17 Iowa State on Saturday, senior running back Devin Neal has been chosen as the East-West Shrine Bowl’s Breakout Offensive Player of the Week.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is a best-in-class all-star event that will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on January 30, 2025. Players will be coached by NFL coaches, in an NFL facility, and will have access to NFL-level resources, facilities, player-friendly schedules, and opportunities at the highest level.
Neal set a trio of school records in the KU win, as he rushed 18 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns. On his first carry of the game, Neal ran for 14 yards and surpassed June Henley’s career rushing record of 3,841 yards, which had stood since 1996. Later in the first quarter, Neal scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown, the 42nd of his career, to break a tie with Henley for the most rushing touchdowns in program history. Neal would find the endzone a second time to up his career touchdown total to 43. By topping the century mark, Neal recorded his 18th career 100-yard rushing game, breaking a tie with Tony Sands for the most in program history.
One of 11 Jayhawks named to the East-West Shrine Bowl Watch List before the season, Neal is having another stellar season for the Jayhawks. He has rushed for 874 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and 97.1 yards per game on the ground. Neal ranks in the top 25 nationally in rushing yards per game and rushing touchdowns, while running for more than 100 yards six times in KU’s nine games.
At the conclusion of the Iowa State game, Neal has career totals of 3,951 rushing yards, 43 rushing touchdowns and 46 total touchdowns – each of which represents a school record. He is also second in school history in career all-purpose yards (4,567).