Kansas head coach Lance Leipold has full faith in Daniel Hishaw Jr. to carry the torch in the Jayhawks’ backfield following Devin Neal’s departure. Neal, who was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 NFL Draft, leaves behind a historic legacy.
As Kansas’ all-time leading rusher, Neal’s absence creates a significant hole in the offense, but Leipold believes Hishaw is prepared to meet the challenge as the team prepares for the 2025 season without one of its most dynamic playmakers.
Lance Leipold Confident in Daniel Hishaw Jr. to Fill Devin Neal’s Shoes
With Devin Neal now in the NFL, Kansas head coach Lance Leipold is focused on how the Jayhawks will fill the void left by the program’s all-time leading rusher. Neal, a sixth-round selection of the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 NFL Draft, exited Lawrence with 4,343 rushing yards, 49 touchdowns, and 5,054 total yards from scrimmage across his college career.
Replacing that kind of production won’t be easy, but Leipold is confident the team has the pieces to make it happen, starting with Daniel Hishaw Jr. Speaking at the Otto Schnellbacher Classic, Leipold acknowledged the challenge.
“Well, you know, it’s going to be a challenge,” he said. “You know, we feel that we have good depth.”
Hishaw, who has served as a key reserve the past five seasons, now steps into a lead role. Leipold is optimistic about what Hishaw brings to the table.
“I mean, Daniel Hishaw has waited patiently and I think he’s ready to have a big year for us,” Leipold said. “He’s a powerful back. Before the hip injury a few years back, he was playing every bit as good as Devin. Nothing against Devin.”
Through 34 career games at Kansas, Hishaw has logged 282 carries for 1,493 rushing yards—averaging 5.3 yards per attempt and 43.9 yards per game—along with 18 touchdowns. His standout season came two years ago, when he posted 626 yards on 121 carries and eight scores.
Last season, his production dipped to 376 yards and three touchdowns on 65 carries across five fewer games, though he still averaged 5.8 yards per rush.
While Hishaw is expected to carry much of the load, Leipold sees a committee approach forming behind him.
“Between Daniel and Leshon Williams, we feel we’re going to have nice depth there and a nice one-two punch,” Leipold said.
KEEP READING: Lance Leipold Sounds Alarm on Transfer Portal
The Jayhawks are preparing for life after Neal, and Hishaw’s experience and resilience have made him the centerpiece of that transition.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
