Georgia has strengthened its running back committee with the addition of Kentucky’s Dante Dowdell, who announced his commitment to the Bulldogs on January 12. Dowdell, a physical, battle-tested SEC runner, brings experience, size, and production to Athens.
At 6-foot-2 and 227 pounds, Dowdell fits the mold of the downhill, short‑yardage bruiser Georgia has leaned on in recent years. His résumé is one of the more unique in college football: Oregon in 2023, Nebraska in 2024 — where he logged a career‑best 614 yards and 12 touchdowns — and Kentucky in 2025. Across three seasons, he’s totaled 1,264 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs are replacing key depth pieces with Josh McCray and Cash Jones moving on and Roderick Robinson entering the portal. With Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens returning as the top two backs, Dowdell projects as a powerful complement.
Last week, Georgia bolstered its roster with the addition of six portal transfers — Clemson safety Khalil Barnes, Auburn defensive lineman Amaris Williams, Georgia Tech wide receiver Isiah Canion, and USC cornerback Braylon Conley.
The Bulldogs then landed ECU safety Ja’Marley Riddle before picking up a 2026 commitment from wide receiver Dallas Dickerson out of North Oconee High School in Bogart, Ga.