Georgia Bulldogs running back Dante Dowdell, who transferred from Kentucky this offseason, is hospitalized with serious injuries following an ATV accident near his home in Picayune, Mississippi.

Dowdell, who rushed for 560 yards and three touchdowns last season, is being treated at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta—a medical facility specializing in spinal cord and brain injuries. Head coach Kirby Smart confirmed the news at SEC Media Days, describing the incident as involving a recreational vehicle and resulting in major injuries.

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“He’s injured,” Smart said. “We don’t know when his return will be. I don’t know the specifics of it, to be honest with you. It was a recreational vehicle, and he had some serious injuries.”

The Shepherd Center is renowned for its rehabilitation programs, and Dowdell is believed to be past the most critical phase. However, his availability for the 2026 season remains in doubt.

“He’s out of the really tough range, but as far as his complete health and coming all the way back, I don’t know what that looks like in terms of this year,” Smart added. “He’s just a tremendous kid [with a] great family. We’re very supportive of them. Our players have been up there to see him. It’s a really tough deal.”

The accident has sent shockwaves through the Georgia program, which is expected to be among the top contenders in the SEC this season. The Bulldogs are already navigating a challenging schedule, and losing a key backfield contributor like Dowdell could impact their offensive depth.

This incident echoes other recent tragedies in college sports, including the loss of an NC State legend and the death of a Victor Valley College basketball star. It also raises broader questions about player safety and the risks athletes face off the field, as seen in the harrowing crash that hospitalized IndyCar driver David Malukas.

For now, the Georgia community is rallying around Dowdell and his family, hoping for a full recovery. The team will continue to support him as he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center.

“Our players have been up there to see him,” Smart said. “It’s a really tough deal, but we’re all behind him.”