Georgia Bulldogs running back Dante Dowdell is hospitalized in Atlanta with serious injuries following an ATV accident near his home in Picayune, Mississippi, head coach Kirby Smart confirmed Tuesday at SEC Media Days.
Smart stated that the accident was significant enough that Dowdell has been transferred between two hospitals and is currently receiving care at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a facility that specializes in rehabilitation for spinal cord and brain injuries. The coach did not provide specific details about the crash itself.
Dowdell transferred to Georgia from Kentucky during the offseason. He was projected to be a key contributor for the Bulldogs in the upcoming season, positioned behind starter Nate Frazier on the depth chart. The running back has had a varied collegiate career, previously playing for Oregon in 2023 and Nebraska in 2024.
In the 2025 season with Kentucky, Dowdell rushed for 560 yards and scored three touchdowns. Smart described Dowdell as a "tremendous kid" with a supportive family and noted that his teammates have visited him.
Dowdell will retain a fifth year of eligibility under new NCAA rules. Georgia's running back room is considered deep, with Frazier, Chauncey Bowens, and Dwight Phillips Jr. returning, alongside new recruits Jae Lamar and Nick Peal from the 2026 class.