Colton Dowell Bio
Colton Davis Dowell is an American professional football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football for the UT Martin Skyhawks and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft. Dowell has competed for three NFL franchises during his professional career, including the Titans, Baltimore Ravens, and currently the 49ers. Known for his collegiate accomplishments as UT Martin’s all-time leader in receiving yards, Dowell has worked to establish himself at the professional level despite injuries that have limited his playing time early in his career.
Early Life and Background
Colton Dowell was born on April 19, 1999, in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he grew up and attended Wilson Central High School. During his senior season at Wilson Central, Dowell contributed to an 8-3 record while recording 799 receiving yards off 44 receptions with five touchdowns. His high school performance demonstrated the receiving ability that would later define his collegiate career.
Dowell entered the recruiting process as a two-star prospect and received multiple offers from NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision programs, along with two Football Bowl Subdivision schools. He initially committed to play for the Chattanooga Mocs before later changing his commitment to join the UT Martin Skyhawks, choosing to continue his football development closer to his Tennessee roots.
Path to American Football
After joining the UT Martin Skyhawks as a freshman in 2017, Dowell redshirted during his first season with the program. The following year, he appeared in 11 games and recorded 10 catches for 138 yards with three touchdowns, beginning to establish his presence in the Skyhawks’ offense.
His breakthrough came in 2019 when Dowell appeared in 12 games with 10 starts and posted 765 receiving yards, the second-highest total on the team, off 38 receptions with four touchdowns. His strong performance earned him a spot on the HERO Sports sophomore All-America team and a second-team all-conference selection. The 2021 season, split due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Dowell continue his production with 40 receptions for 459 yards and four touchdowns during the spring portion, earning him first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors. Despite battling injuries in the fall, he managed 22 catches for 398 yards with two touchdowns, securing another all-conference accolade.
Colton Dowell Career
Tennessee Titans (2023–2024)
Dowell was selected in the seventh round with the 228th overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans. He made the team’s final roster out of training camp and saw his first professional playing time during a Week 4 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. His rookie season showed promise as he worked into the Titans’ offensive plans.
However, Dowell’s rookie campaign was cut short when he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus injury during a Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans. The injury ended his season prematurely and required significant rehabilitation. The Titans placed him on the reserve/PUP list at the start of the 2024 season as he continued his recovery, causing him to miss the entire year without appearing in a game.
Baltimore Ravens (2025)
On July 25, 2025, the Tennessee Titans waived Dowell. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad shortly after, joining the organization on October 20, 2025. Dowell’s tenure with the Ravens proved brief, as the team released him five days later. The brief stint provided him an opportunity to train with another NFL franchise but did not result in any game appearances during the 2025 season.
San Francisco 49ers (2026–Present)
Dowell signed a reserve/future contract with the San Francisco 49ers on January 14, 2026. The signing marked his third NFL franchise and provided him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a franchise known for its offensive weapons. As he enters the 2026 season, Dowell works to fully recover from his previous injuries and establish himself within the 49ers’ receiving corps.
Playing Style and Strengths
Dowell stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 212 pounds, giving him the size advantage typical of an NFL wide receiver. His collegiate career at UT Martin showcased his ability to be a primary target, demonstrated by his all-time receiving yards record at the program. His experience playing multiple seasons in a competitive FCS conference provided him with experience facing talented defensive backs and executing route-running assignments against various coverages.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant moment of Dowell’s early professional career came during his rookie season with the Titans when he made his NFL debut and recorded his first professional statistics. His season-ending knee injury in 2023 represented a major setback, requiring him to spend the following year on the reserve list. Despite these challenges, his signing with the 49ers in January 2026 offered a fresh opportunity with a new organization.
Colton Dowell Career Statistics
Dowell’s professional career has been limited through his first two seasons in the NFL. His rookie year with the Titans in 2023 represented his only game action, while the 2024 season was lost entirely due to injury recovery.
NFL Statistics Highlights
During his limited NFL appearances, Dowell has recorded one reception for three yards. The minimal statistics reflect his role as a depth player who saw limited snaps during his rookie season. As he continues his career with the 49ers, opportunities to increase his statistical output remain a focus as he works to contribute on game days.
College Career Achievements
At UT Martin, Dowell finished as the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 2,796 yards. He also accumulated 177 receptions and 19 touchdowns during his five seasons with the Skyhawks. His 2019 and 2021 seasons represented his most productive campaigns, with the 2021 spring season earning him first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference recognition. Multiple all-conference selections throughout his collegiate career highlighted his consistent production at the FCS level.
| Competition Level | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2023–2024) | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| UT Martin (2017–2022) | 177 | 2,796 | 19 |
Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public records indicate that Colton Dowell was born in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he also grew up and attended high school. Details regarding his family background, including his parents and any siblings, have not been extensively documented in publicly available sources. His decision to attend UT Martin, located in his home state of Tennessee, suggested a preference to remain close to his roots during his collegiate years.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Dowell following his release from the Tennessee Titans. After being waived by the Titans in July, he joined the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in October but was released after just five days. The brief stint with the Ravens did not yield any game appearances, leaving Dowell without regular-season playing time during the 2025 campaign.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, Dowell signed with the San Francisco 49ers in January 2026, providing him with a new opportunity heading into the 2026 season. The move to San Francisco offered him a fresh start with an organization that has historically developed offensive talent. As Dowell enters the 2026 season with the 49ers, his focus remains on recovering fully from past injuries, earning a spot on the active roster, and contributing to the team’s receiving corps during the upcoming campaign.