Chargers RB Omarion Hampton draws lofty prediction from NFL analyst

Chargers running back Omarion Hampton's rookie season was plagued by injury.

>In Week 5, Hampton fractured his left ankle during a matchup against the Washington Commanders and was placed on injured reserve. The 23-year-old played in just nine games last season, but managed to record over 500 yards.

>In 2026, a healthy Hampton could do much more in his second season. Sports Illustrated's Connor Orr predicts Hampton to lead the league in rushing yards in 2026.

id="inline-text-107">"Boy, are we fully back on the train that everything seems great with the Chargers and we should move forward like they aren’t going to fill our heads with incredible ideas again only to completely destroy our hearts, minds and bodies. Such is life. But Hampton gained 545 yards and averaged 4.4 yards per carry in a Greg Roman system that is going to get a much needed creativity overhaul this offseason," Orr writes.

>The ceiling is high for Hampton, who didn't quite get to showcase his potential because of an injury last year. Now, the Chargers are setting up their No. 1 back for success under Mike McDaniel's new outside scheme.

>Running backs coach Max McCaffrey heaped high praise for Hampton's ability to adjust to what's expected of him heading into 2026.

>"Omarion's great man. He can fit into any scheme. Just the strength, the size, the athleticism he displays each day in practice. Obviously, I watched him at Chapel Hill, a rival school of mine, but he tore us up a couple times. But it was fun getting to watch him develop and getting to work with him now and seeing how he's adapting to this system-he's doing a great job."

>The hopes are high for both Hampton and the Chargers in 2026. Only time will tell if both live up to expectations.

>This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Will Chargers RB Omarion Hampton lead the league in rushing in 2026?