Kansas Jayhawks fans were buzzing with anticipation ahead of this week’s matchup against the UNLV Rebels, hoping to see their team bounce back from a tough Week 2 loss to Illinois. The Jayhawks, led by their explosive offense, looked to regain momentum on their home turf. However, just under an hour before kickoff, the team was dealt a blow that left fans uneasy—backup running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. was ruled out due to illness.
Hishaw, who is an integral part of Kansas’ dynamic backfield, was seen on the sidelines at the stadium but was notably absent from the lineup. According to a statement from a KU official, Hishaw’s illness would prevent him from suiting up for the game.
Hishaw’s absence is a significant one for the Jayhawks. The junior running back has been a key contributor behind star Devin Neal, providing the team with a powerful one-two punch in the rushing attack. Last season, Hishaw ran for a career-high 626 yards and eight touchdowns, and through the first two games of 2024, he had already surpassed 100 rushing yards. His ability to grind out tough yards and find the end zone has earned him a spot on the Preseason Doak Walker Award Watch List for two consecutive years.
Daniel Hishaw Jr. is here at the stadium on the sideline but not dressed to play. Per KU official, he's unavailable due to illness.#kufball
— Jordan Guskey (@JordanGuskey) September 13, 2024
For Kansas, losing Hishaw means leaning more heavily on third-string running back Sevion Morrison. The former Nebraska Cornhusker has shown flashes of promise in limited action, carrying the ball eight times for 45 yards and scoring a touchdown so far this season. Morrison will now have a larger role in the Jayhawks’ offense, and while his workload is expected to increase, Kansas will be hoping Neal can carry the bulk of the offensive burden.
The timing of Hishaw’s illness is especially tough for Kansas, as they face a UNLV team hungry to prove itself on the road. The Jayhawks’ offense has been a strength, but losing a player like Hishaw, who adds depth and versatility to the backfield, complicates things. Fans will be watching closely to see how Morrison steps up in his expanded role.
While Kansas still has its star in Devin Neal to lead the charge, Hishaw’s absence underscores the importance of depth and next-man-up mentality. Kansas will need to rally around their remaining playmakers to avoid a second straight setback in the early stages of the season.
