CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, one of the most dominant players in the country the past two seasons, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Sunday night.
Hampton made the announcement through social media, announcing his intentions to take his career to the next level.
“After much thought and prayer, I am officially announcing that I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft,” Hampton wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It has been my dream for as long as I can remember to play in the NFL, and I am grateful for the opportunities that led me here.”
He became an All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team selection for the second time in his college career. He rushed for 1,660 yards, finishing second in the NCAA behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, as well as 15 touchdowns. He completed his junior year as the fourth ACC player in the last 20 years to run for 1,500 yards in back-to-back seasons under former coach Mack Brown.
Hampton racked up 3,565 rushing yards in three seasons, which ranks fourth in UNC history. He also set a new single-season record this year with 2,033 all-purpose yards, exceeding the previous mark by Don McCauley, who compiled 2,021 total yards of offense.
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North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) is tackled just short of the goal line by Georgia Tech defensive back Ahmari Harvey, bottom, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward) -
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) evades North Carolina State safety Rente Hinton (14) and linebacker Kamal Bonner (34) as he runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward) -
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs with the football during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) -
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) greets fans as he leaves the field after scoring five touchdowns against Florida State in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley) -
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton runs for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Campbell in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
In his lengthy statement, Hampton expressed his gratitude to his coaches, fans, teammates and family for their support throughout his athletic journey.
“I want to start by thanking my coaches, both past and present for helping shape me into the man and player I am today,” Hampton wrote. “Your constant love and support has meant everything to me. To my high school coach, Scott Riley, and my UNC coaches Mack Brown, Larry Porter, Natrone Means, and Chip Lindsey – thank you for bringing me into your program and making me feel at home. You and the staff believed in me and I could never thank you enough.”
“To the fans: You took a kid from Clayton, N.C. and made him your own,” he added. “There is nothing like gameday in Chapel Hill. We have the best fans in the world. 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. You are the backbone of this program.”
“To my brothers in the locker room: We came in as teammates and left as family,” Hampton continued. “You all mean the world to me. Going to battle with you every Saturday has been the biggest honor of my life. I can’t thank you enough for the memorial and for putting it all on the line with me each and every Saturday. I am so thankful UNC brought us together. Lastly, to my family: You guys mean the world to me. I am forever indebted to you for the sacrifices you have made for me and I love you so much. Everything I do, I do for you.”
Hampton is currently projected to be one of the first running backs taken in the upcoming NFL Draft, according to ESPN.