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ATHENS - This time 12 months ago the message was clear.
The Georgia Bulldogs had to desperately improve the running game. Somehow, someway, the Dawgs had to get better on the ground.
They worked hard on it all off-season, and when the 2025 season rolled around, the improvement was clear. Nate Frazier led the way, but the Bulldogs also got dependable play from Chauncey Bowens, big moments from Josh McCray, and flashes from both Dwight Phillips Jr and Bo Walker.
All in all, the Bulldogs averaged 182 rushing yards a game last season, a major increase from the 124 yards they averaged in 2024.
So improvements were made, but Kirby Smart knows they can’t go backwards. They have to continue running the football effectively, and they need to do it even better in 2026 if they want to win the final game of the season.
The Dawgs return just about every traditional running back from last season while trading in Josh McCray for Kentucky transfer Dante Dowdell.
As good as the group was last year, Smart knows exactly where they need to improve this spring.
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“Leadership, experience, and third down”, Smart told reporters. “They don't have a lot of experience in the passing game, so catching the ball out of the backfield, being better receivers, blitz pickup schemes, yards after contact, and breaking tackles. That's essentially what a back's measured by. What do you get that the offensive line doesn't get for you? That's how you become elite.”
Georgia’s had many “elite” back over the years. The list goes on and on. Now, Georgia fans are hoping Nate Frazier can join that “elite” group. After rushing for over 900 yards last season, Frazier will lead the way and have a giant junior season if he can create plays as a runner when the holes are not there. He’s a dependable runner and one of the best returning backs in the league, but like the others, Frazier needs to continue improving as an all-around back.
Of course, Frazier won’t have to carry the run game by himself. Chauncey Bowens will have his role, and so will new transfer Dante Dowdell who is already impressing the staff.
“He's extremely physical, tough, strong, really quick feet. Can get in and out of the hole. He's had some explosive runs where he burst through the hole. He's had sometimes where he's still figuring things out for us because he's learning verbiage and things, but he's a confident vet. He's a very reliable guy. Hoping to get some play out of him on special teams and also at running back.”
Overall, it’s a very talented room with a lot of experience, but there’s still improvement to be had. While they did improve the running game last year, it’s time the Bulldogs get back to an elite level in 2026.
