STALLION MADE. CHAMPION BUILT. JOSHUA NEAL WINS NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE TITLE IN ROOKIE SEASON
Written By Coach Jackson
BEAUMONT, TEXAS — June 17, 2025
Get those 4-fingered hooves up, Stallion Nation — one of our own just became a pro champion!
Former North American University wide receiver Joshua Neal has officially brought home the gold, helping lead the Beaumont Renegades to a 37-29 victory over the two-time defending champion Omaha Beef in the 2025 National Arena League (NAL) Championship Game.
Let me say that one more time for the people in the back: Joshua "Big Play" Neal is a CHAMPION!
The championship was played Monday night at Doggett Ford Arena in front of a hyped home crowd in Beaumont, Texas. The Renegades, in their inaugural season, finished with a 9-1 record and never looked back, controlling the game from start to finish and never trailing. That's what you call high-octane offense with a Stallion work ethic.
Neal — rocking his Renegades jersey but still carrying that Stallion pride — pulled in 2 key receptions for 34 yards. And while the numbers don't scream off the stat sheet, if you've ever seen #0 with the game on the line, you already know: this dude makes big moments his home.
Let's not forget, Josh had a huge moment this season catching the game-winning touchdown against the Sioux City Bandits — a play that sent Beaumont to the top of the standings and into the title conversation.
Need proof this man is built differently? During his time at North American University, Neal was THAT GUY — a two-year standout in 2021 and 2022. His moment came in the legendary FloTex Bowl, where he posted:
12 catches
162 receiving yards
2 touchdowns
And a 72-yard "don't even try it" bomb that brought the crowd to its feet.
As a kick and punt return specialist at NAU, he averaged over 18 yards per return, and you better believe those wheels are still turning.
Want to support Josh, give him his flowers, or let him know Stallion Nation is watching?
Hit him up at @long_living on Instagram and let him know we see you, champ!
And don't forget to follow the champs themselves: @beaumontrenegadesfb — your 2025 NAL Kings!
None of this went unnoticed by Coach Kenneth Apande, NAU's Athletic Director and the First-Ever Head Football Coach in Stallions history, who made the trip down to Beaumont to support his former player.
"I remember recruiting Josh. He was raw, fast, and fearless—everything we wanted to build this program around. To see him now, holding a championship trophy and making plays at the pro level? That's what this is all about. He's not just a champion tonight—he's a Stallion forever," Coach Apande said.
Quick Game Recap:
Renegades finish 9-1 in their debut season
Omaha falls to 10-2, ending their back-to-back title run
NAL Player of the Year Carl Robinson III led the charge for Beaumont
Omaha QB Lorenzo Brown and DB Trey Dudley-Giles made plays, but couldn't keep up
Beaumont led all night — they never trailed, never flinched
This one's for every young Stallion grinding in the gym, dreaming big under those Texas skies. Joshua Neal has just proven that the blueprint works. You grind. You believe. You rise.
Once a Stallion, ALWAYS a Stallion.
