Mark Stoops has never been one to shy away from power football. His best Kentucky teams have thrived on a strong running game, physical offensive line play, and a quarterback who can move the chains with his legs. This season, that identity is back in full force.
With three talented running backs ready to carry the load and a mobile quarterback under center, the Wildcats’ offense is shaping up to be the most "Stoops-like" roster in years.
Backfield by committee: Three backs, one mission
When asked about his approach to the running game this season, Stoops made it clear: it's going to be a group effort.
“It’s definitely going to be by committee,” Stoops said. “As you know, they take a lot of hits. It’s very physical. We have some guys that are better suited for certain situations. We’re going to need them all.”
That’s not just coach-speak—it’s reality. Kentucky’s three-headed monster in the backfield provides a mix of power, speed, and versatility that will keep defenses on their heels.
Dante Dowdell: The power runner
6-foot-1, 215 pounds | Nebraska Transfer
Dowdell was one of the most sought-after running backs in the transfer portal, and for good reason. He’s a tough, downhill runner who can handle goal-line and short-yardage situations. Last year at Nebraska, he showed flashes of brilliance, but also found himself in the middle of tampering rumors when Matt Rhule publicly accused teams of trying to poach him.
2024 Stats
143 carries, 614 yards (4.3 YPC), 12 TDs
7 receptions, 21 yards
Dowdell brings the kind of physicality that Stoops loves, making him a perfect fit for SEC play.
Jason Patterson: The emerging every-down back
5-foot-11, 205 pounds | Redshirt Freshman
Stoops has raved about Patterson’s development, particularly over the last few weeks in spring practice.
“I’ve seen him take some steps, even in the last two or three practices,” Stoops said. “It’s good to see him back out here, see him healthy, getting the reps. I like seeing him out here because he’s a guy who can be an every-down back.”
Patterson only saw limited action last year, playing in three games to preserve his redshirt, but when he did play, he looked the part.
2024 Stats
20 carries, 111 yards (5.6 YPC)
1 reception, 15 yards
If he continues to impress in camp, don’t be surprised if he earns more touches in this rotation.
Jamarion Wilcox: the home-run hitter
5-foot-10, 195 pounds | Returning Sophomore
Wilcox was Kentucky’s most productive rusher last season, but he didn’t always get the workload fans expected. Some of that came down to coaching decisions, with Stoops even joking that his untied shoelaces were part of the issue.
Despite rumors of a potential transfer, Wilcox stayed in Lexington, and that could be a massive win for the Wildcats. He provides a big-play threat every time he touches the ball, leading the team in yards per carry (6.4).
2024 Stats
92 carries, 590 yards (6.4 YPC), 2 TDs
7 receptions, 24 yards
With his burst and playmaking ability, Wilcox should see an expanded role in Kentucky’s offense.
A mobile quarterback to complete the offense
While Stoops has typically relied on pro-style passers like Brock Vandagriff and Devin Leary, the shift toward a more balanced, mobile attack could open up new possibilities for the offense. Zach Calzada offers that much more than Cutter Boley and that is why he is most likely the starter.
A QB who can keep defenses honest with RPOs, designed runs, and scrambles will only make this trio of running backs even more dangerous.
Final thoughts: Kentucky’s offense is built for SEC battles
This version of Kentucky football looks a lot like the teams that had the most success under Mark Stoops—a physical, grind-it-out offense built around strong running backs and a quarterback who can extend plays. Fans won't like it, and it means playing everyone close with few blowouts; but it is what Stoops does best.
With Dowdell’s power, Patterson’s versatility, and Wilcox’s explosiveness, the Wildcats’ ground game has the potential to wear down defenses and control the tempo. If the offensive line holds up and the quarterback can provide a complementary rushing threat, this could be one of the most effective Kentucky rushing attacks in years.
Kentucky football is getting back to its roots—and in the SEC, that’s a recipe for success, maybe.