Kirby Smart evaluates Georgia Bulldogs roster depth before season opener
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 3:33 AM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
Georgia football coach Kirby Smart begins the 2026 season with a September 5 matchup against Tennessee State. The program faces a critical reduction in running back depth following an off-campus vehicle accident involving Dante Dowdell. Smart confirmed that the status of the transfer running back remains uncertain, leaving Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens as the primary options in the backfield. To prepare for the upcoming SEC schedule, the coaching staff implemented a new practice format featuring three-day training blocks followed by a recovery day to combat extreme heat. Smart aims to develop increased offensive explosiveness and improved defensive turnover numbers while testing the team’s grit during camp. Tight ends Lawson Luckie and Elyiss Williams are expected to take on expanded roles this season as the Bulldogs look to replace departed personnel.
- •Georgia opens the season against Tennessee State on September 5.
- •Dante Dowdell is sidelined indefinitely following an off-campus vehicle accident.
- •Coaches adopted a three-days-on, one-day-off practice schedule to manage player recovery.
- •Lawson Luckie and Elyiss Williams will assume primary tight end responsibilities this season.
- •The team aims to increase defensive havoc and offensive explosiveness in 2026.
- 3:33 AMYahoo Sports — Kirby Smart Puts Two Georgia Freshmen on Alert With Blunt SEC Warning: “Grow UP”
- 5:05 PMYahoo Sports — Kirby Smart Eager to Test Young Georgia Bulldogs
"Georgia wiped the floor with Tennessee State in a 63-3 season-opening blowout, but head coach Kirby Smart was in no mood to celebrate. While fans in Athens enjoyed the easy win, Smart was already fixated on a deeper problem that could ruin their season: his edge rushers still have a long way to go before real SEC football starts.
"Kirby Smart’s got his eyes on what his younger Georgia Bulldogs can actually do once the clock starts ticking this fall. The team’s already facing a serious hit to their running back depth with Dante Dowdell out, plus they’ve got a new nine-game SEC schedule to navigate. Smart plans to test their toughness right now…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 6, 2026, 3:33 AMKirby Smart Puts Two Georgia Freshmen on Alert With Blunt SEC Warning: “Grow UP”
Georgia wiped the floor with Tennessee State in a 63-3 season-opening blowout, but head coach Kirby Smart was in no mood to celebrate. While fans in Athens enjoyed the easy win, Smart was already fixated on a deeper problem that could ruin their season: his edge rushers still have a long way to go before real SEC football starts.
- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 5:05 PMKirby Smart Eager to Test Young Georgia Bulldogs
Kirby Smart’s got his eyes on what his younger Georgia Bulldogs can actually do once the clock starts ticking this fall. The team’s already facing a serious hit to their running back depth with Dante Dowdell out, plus they’ve got a new nine-game SEC schedule to navigate. Smart plans to test their toughness right now…
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