Kirby Smart provides update for Dante Dowdell following off-campus accident
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Georgia football has sustained a blow to its running back depth. According to head coach Kirby Smart, Bulldogs transfer Dante Dowdell was involved in an “off campus accident back home during our break.”
Smart noted that he does not have a return timetable for Dowdell, but mentioned that he was in two different hospitals following the accident and his injuries are serious enough for him to not be with the program.
Reports from July 18 indicated that Dowdell was involved in an ATV accident. Smart indirectly confirmed that Dowdell’s accident involved a motorized vehicle when asked specifically, saying “I don’t know honestly what you call them. I don’t know if it had four wheels or two.”
Smart also offered the following message regarding the Kentucky transfer:
“We’re praying for him and his family,” Smart said. “Expecting a full recovery but the outlook right now is wait and see… I hate that for him and his family, but he’s a great kid. It’s been tough. A lot of players have been over to see him. It’s just one of those really tough situations.”
Dowdell comes to Athens after 3 seasons at 3 different programs. He started his career at Oregon before transferring to Nebraska, then to Kentucky in 2025. Across his 3-year career, Dowdell has totaled 1,264 rushing yards with 16 rushing touchdowns — including a 12-touchdown season for the Huskers in 2024.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
