One of Carolina’s best-ever running backs is turning pro.

Omarion Hampton, who rushed for more than 1,500 yards in back-to-back seasons for the Tar Heels, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Sunday night. He is expected to be one of the top running backs selected in the draft.

“To the fans: You took a kid from Clayton, N.C. and made him your own,” Hampton’s announcement read. “Wherever the future takes me, I’m better for having played in front of you all. I’m forever grateful to be a North Carolina Tar Heel.”

Hampton emerged as a star in his sophomore season, pairing with quarterback Drake Maye to form one of the ACC’s most dynamic offenses. Hampton rushed for 1,504 yards (the second-most in a single season in UNC history) and 15 touchdowns (the sixth-most in a single season). According to Pro Football Focus, Hampton’s 1,072 yards after contact led the nation.

In 2024, Hampton surpassed the lofty marks he set as a sophomore. Hampton ranked second in the country with 1,660 rushing yards and 138.3 yards per game, meaning the junior now has the second- and third-most prolific rushing seasons in school history. He led all ACC rushers in attempts (281), yards, touchdowns (15), attempts per game (23.4) and yards per game. The 2024 season also saw Hampton set a school record with 2,033 all-purpose yards, breaking Don McCauley’s mark of 2,021 from 1970. He was named first team All-ACC and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award (given to the nation’s top running back) for the second straight season.

With his back-to-back seasons of at least 1,500 rushing yards, Hampton joined rare company. In the past 20 seasons, the only other ACC players to accomplish this feat are Florida State’s Dalvin Cook, Clemson’s Travis Etienne and Louisville’s Lamar Jackson. All three have put together successful NFL careers.

The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 24 in Green Bay, WI.

 

Featured image via Associated Press/Chris Seward

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