Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell was a key piece of the Husker offense this season. However, he is reportedly back in the transfer portal after just one season in Lincoln.

Reports began to surface Monday night that Dowdell was planning to re-enter the portal after originally transferring to Nebraska from Oregon after his 2023 freshman season. Matt Zenitz with CBS Sports reported Tuesday morning that Dowdell’s name is officially back in the portal.

Dowdell had a quick impact with the Huskers, leading the team with 614 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished tied for the 4th-most rushing touchdowns in the entire Big Ten, trailing only Kaleb Johnson (21), Jordan James (15) and Kyle Monangai (13).

While Dowdell led the team in overall rushing and touchdowns, fellow RB Emmett Johnson led the team with 785 yards from scrimmage and was more efficient than Dowdell with 5.1 yards per carry. (Dowdell came in at 4.3.) The recent decisions of Johnson also likely played a role in Dowdell’s entry into the portal.

At the start of the offseason, Johnson himself entered the transfer portal. However, he would only spend a few days in the portal before reversing course and announcing a return to the Huskers.

Those decisions likely indicate Johnson is lined up as the projected starter for Nebraska in the offense led by Dana Holgorsen entering 2025. It’s not hard to see why with Johnson also logging 35 catches (3rd-most on the team this season) in addition to his work carrying the ball.

If Johnson is indeed penciled in as a versatile 3-down back, Dowdell could have been looking at reduced carries and playing time. Either way, he’ll look at his options in the portal.