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UNC Football Junior Passes Two More Tar Heels on All-Time List

Omarion Hampton is now inside the top 10 in all-time UNC football rushing yards.

Matt Giles

UNC football running back Omarion Hampton
UNC football running back Omarion Hampton / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Not much has gone well for the UNC football team in recent weeks. The Tar Heels (3-2, 0-1 ACC), who lost to James Madison at home in Week 4 before falling to rival Duke in Durham last week, are now in danger of dropping a third straight outing as they battle the visiting Pitt Panthers (4-0, 0-0 ACC) in Kenan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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Despite the program's early struggles this season under 73-year-old head coach Mack Brown, junior running back Omarion Hampton continues to look practically uncontainable.

The 6-foot, 220-pounder entered the contest against Pitt at No. 11 on the all-time UNC football rushing list with 2,863 yards on the ground as a Tar Heel, needing only 17 more yards to tie No. 10 Elijah Hood. And he needed only 71 to match No. 9 in late-1940s UNC football legend Charlie "Choo Choo" Justice.

Hampton reached both those marks before halftime.

But it may be a few more outings before the 21-year-old from Clayton, N.C., climbs the list again. Natrone Means and Ethan Horton, tied at No. 7 with 3,074 yards apiece, are next in his sights.

At the time of this article's publishing, UNC football and Pitt are tied, 24-24, entering the fourth quarter, and Omarion Hampton has 20 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown — his 30th career score in Tar Heel threads.

Following the showdown against Pitt, UNC football will prepare to welcome the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to Kenan Stadium for a noon ET contest next Saturday (The CW Network).

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC football news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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