Nebraska added a second weekend piece to its offensive transformation by picking up a commitment from Oregon transfer Dante Dowdell at running back, he announced Saturday.
Dowdell was a four-star prospect out of Picayune, Miss., and the No. 9 player at the position nationally in the Class of 2023, according to the 247Sports Composite. He burned one season of eligibility despite logging just 17 rushing attempts last year with the Ducks and will have three years to play at Nebraska.
The 6-foot-2, 210–pound Dowdell joins Texas transfer Isaiah Neyor, a wide receiver, in the Huskers’ weekend haul.
How did Nebraska land Dowdell?
Coach Matt Rhule said in December that Nebraska would prioritize the addition of a running back in the 2025 recruiting class and monitor the transfer portal this offseason for options. It did not sign a player at the position in the 2024 class after Texan Kewan Lacy decommitted and signed with Missouri.
Dowdell visited Lincoln late in the week and posted photos with QB Dylan Raiola on Instagram. The five-star signee remained in Lincoln Saturday and spent time with the Huskers’ contingent that cheered on defensive lineman Nash Hutmacher his collegiate wrestling debut. — Mitch Sherman, Nebraska staff writer
What his addition means for the Huskers
With Dowdell, the Huskers’ running back group gets a needed boost. Nebraska returns Gabe Ervin and Rahmir Johnson, both coming back from injuries, in addition to Emmett Johnson and Kwinten Ives. An opportunity exists for Dowdell to get an edge on the competition in spring practice as the older backs work to get back to full health.
Nebraska coaches may opt to limit their contact until training camp in August. Emmett Johnson filled in nicely among a depleted group in the second half of last season. But Dowdell’s physicality and size appears to make him a strong fit to work in a Big Ten offense. — Sherman