Kentucky football missed on their top 2 running backs, will they pick up a commitment from a visitor today?

Kentucky football has hit a roadblock in its pursuit of bolstering its running back room, losing two key targets to SEC rival Missouri; as we covered here. The Wildcats saw incoming freshman Marquise Davis, originally committed to Kentucky, flip to Missouri, marking a significant recruiting loss. Additionally, Kentucky missed out on ULM transfer Ahmad Hardy, who also chose the Tigers over the Wildcats.

Now, Kentucky is pivoting its focus to Dante Dowdell, a former four-star top 200 recruit who began his career at Oregon before transferring to Nebraska. Dowdell, standing at an imposing 6’2” and 225 pounds, is a powerful back who has proven to be a bruising force in the trenches.

Dowdell’s 2024 season with Nebraska showcased his potential as a feature back. He recorded 143 carries for 614 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and racked up 12 touchdowns on the ground. Impressively, over 60% of his yards came after contact, a testament to his physical running style and ability to fight through defenders, as noted by Jaden Basham.

Dowdell’s versatility is somewhat limited in the passing game, with only seven receptions for 21 yards in 2024, but his presence as a downhill runner could provide Kentucky with the consistent ground threat they desperately need. Pairing him with Jamarion Wilcox, could be a great duo.

His freshman season at Oregon in 2023 saw limited action, with just 17 carries for 90 yards and one touchdown, but his breakout at Nebraska has solidified him as a sought-after transfer option.

With Kentucky losing momentum in the recruiting battle against SEC foes, landing a player like Dowdell would serve as a critical win for Mark Stoops’ program as they look to rebound. The Wildcats’ rushing attack needs reinforcements after a disappointing 2024 season, and Dowdell’s ability to create yards after contact could be the key to revitalizing their offense.

The Wildcats’ staff will need to work quickly to secure Dowdell’s commitment, as other programs will undoubtedly be in the mix. For Kentucky, missing out on a third running back target in this cycle is not an option, making Dowdell a high-priority addition.