This former North Carolina Tar Heels star is a very obvious breakout candidate for next NFL season.
Former North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton didn't quite have the rookie season he was hoping for with the Los Angeles Chargers, as he was limited to just nine games due to an ankle injury.
When Hampton was on the field, however, he produced, rushing for 545 yards and four touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry while logging 32 catches for 192 yards and a score.
Now that Hampton is the clear cut No. 1 back for the Chargers heading into 2026, he represents one of the most obvious breakout candidates in the NFL.
Hampton was an explosive threat at North Carolina. He racked up 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground in 2023, and during his final year with the Tar Heels in 2024, he registered 1,660 yards and another 15 scores as a rusher.
What's more, the 22-year-old also displayed impressive chops as a receiver out of the backfield, totaling 73 catches for 635 yards and four touchdowns throughout his collegiate career.
Hampton was then selected by Los Angeles with the 22nd overall pick of last year's NFL Draft in an era where halfbacks are few and far between in the first round.
Omarion Hampton. Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images.He shared the backfield with Kimani Vidal during his debut NFL campaign, but it's patently clear that Hampton will be the go-to guy in 2026.
With Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh having always embraced the run game, it's easy to see Harbaugh relying on Hampton quite a bit next season, especially with Los Angeles not having the most impressive aerial attack.
Not only that, but Hampton could help Justin Herbert as a pass-catcher, which will further open up the offense.
Expect Hampton to get plenty of usage next fall, and it would not be the least bit surprising to see him have a 1,000-yard campaign on the ground while also contributing quite a bit as a receiver.
Based on how dynamic the Clayton, N.C. native was at Chapel Hill, it would be a major disappointment if he didn't become a top-flight playmaker on the professional level. That should start happening as soon as next season.
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