Chargers' Omarion Hampton poised for breakout year under Mike McDaniel

"It gets me pumped and ready for the season because I know how special that offense is," the Los Angeles Chargers running back said on Wednesday. "We truly could do big things."

A rookie season interrupted

Hampton has spent the offseason learning the new scheme from the ground up after a debut year that never truly delivered on expectations.

After being selected 22nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the North Carolina product finished his rookie year with 545 rushing yards, 192 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns.

While he certainly had his moments, a pair of ankle injuries hindered what would otherwise have been a far more productive campaign, forcing him to miss eight games and limiting him in two more.

He's not so much dwelling on that experience as he is hitting rehab hard and dreaming of what could be in 2026.

"Really just looking forward to next season," Hampton said. "Putting everything I can in the treatment, everything I can in getting back to 110 per cent. I feel like I did that well. Couldn't be more excited for next year."

Hampton lauds McDaniel's offense

Hampton said he and the other Bolts' running backs like what they see from McDaniel so far.

He knew he would like the new-look offense from the off.

"When he came here, I did my research and everything," Hampton explained. "I saw how long he's been doing this and how much success he's had with this offense."

Hampton isn't wrong. McDaniel enjoyed great success with tailback De'Von Achane in Miami, and before that, exceeded expectations with a slew of lesser-known backs in San Francisco as the run game coordinator.

Hampton also sees evidence of why McDaniel is known as an innovator, adding, "It's something not a lot of teams do, so it's going to be exciting when we start it."

The feeling of appreciation is mutual, with McDaniel reportedly even comparing Hampton to Hall of Fame great Terrell Davis.

Kevin Terrell / Stringer

Hampton due a breakout year in 2026

A lot is breaking Hampton's way heading into year two.

He's the clear-cut RB1 and should get plenty of opportunities to rack up yardage and touchdowns in a potent offense led by talented quarterback Justin Herbert.

After playing much of his first year without Pro Bowl offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, both are returning healthy in 2026.

Then there's former Commanders center Tyler Biadasz, signed in free agency, who should open plenty of holes up the middle.

More than anything, though, McDaniel's presence is what makes Hampton a true breakout candidate. Health permitting, the former Tar Heel should erupt in 2026.