Omarion Hampton’s Breakout Potential: Health, McDaniel, and a Chance to Shine in 2026
Omarion Hampton didn’t get a full runway in his rookie season - eight games missed due to injury will do that - but when he was on the field, he gave us a glimpse of what he could be. Now, with a clean bill of health and Mike McDaniel calling plays, the Chargers might finally be ready to unleash their young running back in full.
Let’s rewind for a second. Hampton was thrust into a lead role last year after Najee Harris went down with a season-ending injury.
It wasn’t supposed to be his show, but it quickly became one - trial by fire. And while Hampton battled through his own injuries, he still managed to suit up for nine games and rack up 545 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Not eye-popping, but certainly promising, especially considering the circumstances.
What stood out was the way he ran - physical, decisive, and with a burst that reminded folks why he was such a highly touted back out of North Carolina. In college, he was a two-time Doak Walker Award finalist and finished second in the nation in rushing yards during his final season.
He didn’t just break records - he set the bar at UNC with over 2,000 all-purpose yards. That’s the kind of pedigree that makes you believe year two could be special.
And then there’s Mike McDaniel. In his second year with the Dolphins, McDaniel turned a middling run game into one of the league’s most dangerous ground attacks. De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert combined for 1,800 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, thanks in large part to McDaniel’s creative use of motion, zone-blocking schemes, and a relentless commitment to stretching defenses horizontally.
That’s the kind of system Hampton is walking into now.
McDaniel has a history of maximizing his backs - just ask Elijah Mitchell, who ran for over 900 yards as a rookie in San Francisco under McDaniel’s guidance. Hampton’s skill set fits the mold: he’s a powerful runner who can thrive in a one-cut system, but he’s also got soft enough hands to contribute in the passing game.
In limited action last season, he caught 32 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown on just 35 targets. That’s efficient - and it shows he’s more than just a between-the-tackles bruiser.
One of his best performances came in Week 4 against the Giants, where he gashed the defense for 128 yards and a touchdown. That game wasn’t just a flash - it was a statement. When healthy, Hampton can carry the load.
And that’s the key word: healthy. The Chargers are banking on a fully recovered Hampton and a reinforced offensive line to help take pressure off Justin Herbert. If the run game can force defenses to respect play-action, Herbert’s job gets a whole lot easier.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hampton graded out as the 17th-best running back in the league last year - despite the injuries and limited touches. That’s a strong foundation. With a full offseason, a more defined role, and McDaniel’s playbook in his hands, there’s every reason to believe he can climb even higher.
The Chargers don’t need Hampton to be a star overnight. But if he can stay on the field and build on what he started last year, he might just become the every-down back this offense has been searching for. Power, versatility, and now a coach who knows how to use him - the pieces are in place.
Now it’s just about putting it all together.