Georgia RB Dante Dowdell suffers serious injuries in ATV crash

Georgia running back Dante Dowdell is being treated for serious injuries following an ATV crash near his home in Picayune, Miss., Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said during SEC Media Days in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday.

Smart didn’t detail what happened in the wreck, but said Dowdell was treated at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, which specializes in treating “challenging neurological injuries,” according to its website. It’s unclear whether he remains in the hospital.

“The Dante Dowdell situation is tough,” Smart said. “I don’t know when he’ll be back, you know; 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.”

Georgia was set to be Dowdell’s fourth team since 2023. He previously spent time at Oregon, Nebraska and Kentucky, where he recorded 560 yards and three touchdowns last season.

His best year so far was his 2024 stint with the Cornhuskers, which saw him run for 614 yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished that season ranked fifth in the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns.

“It was serious enough that he’s gone from two hospitals,” Smart said. “He’s in our state now, so hoping for a full recovery and trying to respect his family and their feelings and everything.”

Dowdell was expected to serve as a key backup for Georgia running back Nate Frazier this season.

— Seth Emerson contributed to this report.