Kentucky football’s 2024 season was one to forget, as the Wildcats failed to reach a bowl game and are now fully focused on improving their roster for 2025 through the transfer portal.
On Friday evening, Kentucky made a significant move by securing former Nebraska running back .Dante Dowdell Dowdell had a standout 2024 season with the Huskers, rushing for 614 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the team in both categories. Dowdell initially began his college career at Oregon, where he rushed for 90 yards and one touchdown. However, after transferring to Nebraska, he split carries with Emmett Johnson and found himself behind Johnson on the depth chart as the season progressed. Now, Dowdell is set to join his third school in just three years.
Kentucky desperately needed reinforcements at running back following some key departures. Chip Trayanum, who struggled with injuries throughout the season, entered the transfer portal, while Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, who finished second in rushing for the Wildcats, is out of eligibility. Dowdell will likely compete with Jamarion Wilcox, who led the team with 590 rushing yards in 2024, for the starting job.
- Dante Dowdell
Before starting his college career, Dowdell made a name for himself at Picayune Memorial High School in Picayune, Mississippi, where he was a highly regarded 4-star prospect. He was ranked as the No. 6 running back and the No. 3 player in Mississippi by the 247Sports Composite in the 2023 class, which further underscores his potential.
For Kentucky, landing Dowdell is a huge boost to an offense that has struggled in recent years. The Wildcats have seen a significant turnover with 22 players entering the transfer portal, including star wide receivers Barion Brown and Dane Key. Dowdell’s arrival gives Kentucky a promising weapon to build around as they aim to improve offensively in the 2025 season.
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