North Carolina

UNC football running back Omarion Hampton leaving Tar Heels to enter 2025 NFL Draft

By Shelby Swanson
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) scores a touchdown ahead of N.C.State linebacker Kamal Bonner (34) on a 47-yard pass reception from quarterback Jacolby Criswell in the fourth quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) scores a touchdown ahead of N.C.State linebacker Kamal Bonner (34) on a 47-yard pass reception from quarterback Jacolby Criswell in the fourth quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Sunday. He will not participate in the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl, where the Tar Heels are set to face UConn on Dec. 28 at Fenway Park in Boston.

His decision to opt out marks the end of his college career, in which he was fourth all-time leading rusher in UNC history.

Hampton was named to the All-ACC first team earlier this month and earned second-team All-America honors from the AP on Monday — marking his second consecutive year of AP second-team and conference first-team recognition. His teammate, offensive lineman Willie Lampkin, also earned All-America honors, making the first team as a guard.

North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) looks for running room on a 20-yard run in the first quarter against Wake Forest on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) looks for running room on a 20-yard run in the first quarter against Wake Forest on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Hampton is coming off a standout junior campaign that saw him rush for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking among the top running backs in the country. In a statement posted to social media, Hampton thanked coaches Mack Brown, Chip Lindsey, Larry Porter and Natrone Means for their support throughout his journey.

Hampton leaves UNC after three seasons, finishing with 3,565 total rushing yards. He rushed for 100 or more yards in 10 games this season, including a career-high 244 yards against Wake Forest. His 1,660 rushing yards this fall ranked second nationally behind Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty, and his consistency as a powerful back made him one of the most productive players in college football.

In addition to his rushing success, Hampton worked on improving his pass-catching ability, finishing the 2024 season with 38 receptions for 373 yards and two touchdowns.

North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) scores a touchdown on a 4-yard run in the fourth quarter to give the Tar Heels a 31-10 lead over N.C. Central on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) scores a touchdown on a 4-yard run in the fourth quarter to give the Tar Heels a 31-10 lead over N.C. Central on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Hampton’s time at UNC was characterized by steady improvement and his quiet demeanor. The running back worked consistently both on and off the field, earning respect from coaches and teammates alike.

Hampton is expected to be selected late in the first round or early in the second round of the upcoming NFL Draft. If he is chosen in the first round, it would mark back-to-back seasons with a first-round pick for UNC after quarterback Drake Maye was selected third overall by the New England Patriots in 2024.

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