OH #8

Omarion Hampton

Running Back · North Carolina

A first-round bruiser out of North Carolina whose electric start to his rookie year got cut short by an ankle injury.

Omarion Hampton is a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers who arrived as the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after a decorated career at North Carolina. He flashed the power-and-balance combination that made him a first-round talent before injury slowed his rookie season, and he's positioned to take over as the Chargers' lead back going forward.

★ No. 22 overall pick, 2025 NFL Draft

★ Two-time First-Team All-American at North Carolina

★ Two-time Doak Walker Award finalist

Path to the league

Hampton was a two-time First-Team All-American at North Carolina and a two-time Doak Walker Award finalist as the nation's top running back. In his final college season he rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns on 281 carries. The Chargers selected him with the 22nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the first running back taken.

Career highlights

Hampton entered the league as one of the most complete backs in his draft class, praised for pressing the hole before deciding whether to cut inside or bounce outside, along with make-you-miss ability in space. His college production across his final two seasons established him as a workhorse capable of carrying an NFL backfield.

2025 season recap

Hampton got off to a strong start with 314 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 66 carries through his first several games before an ankle injury in Week 5 derailed his rookie campaign. He finished with 545 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 124 carries in nine games, adding 32 receptions for 192 yards and a receiving score, but he wasn't fully healthy after returning from injury.