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The Georgia Bulldogs weren't extremely active in the transfer portal this offseason. They brought in just nine players, while losing 27. According to Rivals, the group ranks just 46th in the nation with an average transfer rating of 87.89.
However, the Bulldogs were expected to rely on several of their additions. That includes running back Dante Dowdell. This is the running back's fourth program, after previously playing with the Oregon Ducks, Nebraska Cornhuskers and Kentucky Wildcats.
Unfortunately, though, he won't have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. During SEC Media Days on Tuesday, head coach Kirby Smartconfirmed that Dowdell was involved in an off-campus accident and doesn't have a clear return timeline.
“I don’t know when he’ll be back, Smart said, according to On3's Jake Rowe. “He had an off-campus accident back home during our break, and we’re praying for him and his family. We expect a full recovery, but the outlook right now is we’re waiting to see. We’ll go day to day with him and see. So I hate that for him and his family, but he’s a great kid. It’s been tough. A lot of our players have been over there to see him. It’s just one of those really tough situations.”
While he works toward a recovery, the Bulldogs will no doubt be counting on his return. Last year with Kentucky, Dowdell rushed for 560 yards and three touchdowns, but his most productive season came with Nebraska in 2024. He rushed the ball 143 times for 614 yards and 12 touchdowns, all of which stand as career highs.
While his numbers don't jump off the page, the Bulldogs saw enough to make him one of their few transfer additions. Rivals ranked him as a three-star recruit, the No. 21 running back and the No. 280 player to hit the portal this offseason.
Georgia will continue to monitor Dowdell's recovery, hoping he returns this upcoming season. In the meantime, the Bulldogs will have to rely on their other running backs.
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