In a sign that things really may have changed with the Kansas football program, two Jayhawks were named to the Maxwell Award’s preseason watch list on July 29 with running back Devin Neal and quarterback Jalon Daniels.
The Maxwell Award has been given to the nation’s best player since 1937 and four of the last five winners have also won the Heisman Trophy.
Neal, a Lawrence native, has rushed for over 1,000 yards in the last two seasons and was an All-Big 12 pick in 2023 after he rushed for 1,209 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging a whopping 6.6 yards per carry. Daniels was an All-Big 12 pick in 2022 despite only playing in nine games and was 3-0 in three starts in 2023 before suffering a season-ending back injury.
Kansas opens the season on Aug. 29 at home against Lindenwood.