If the Los Angeles Chargers have a singular breakout candidate in 2026, it's Omarion Hampton.
Hampton, who the Chargers selected 22nd overall in last year's Draft, had a limited rookie season. He missed eight games with a severe ankle injury, and the lackluster performance of the Los Angeles offense limited his effectiveness even when he was healthy.
Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme depends on the explosive abilities of its running backs, however. Hampton should get major touches in 2026, and he could be the offensive weapon that the Chargers' success ultimately hinges upon.
The rest of Los Angeles' running back room is also strong. Kimani Vidal emerged as a surprising contributor last season, and the addition of Keaton Mitchell grants them a change-of-pace back with the burst to be effective in McDaniel's outside-zone-heavy scheme.
But when you combine the increased touches for Hampton and the potential for Mitchell to quickly become a favorite of McDaniel, there's a distinct possibility that Vidal's opportunities see a major decline in 2026.
Kimani Vidal could quickly be relegated to RB3 in the Chargers' new offensive scheme
In a season with so many lows, Vidal was a bright spot for the Chargers. When Hampton went down, he stepped up, posting 569 yards and three touchdowns across the eight games Hampton was absent. His production took a sharp dip when Hampton returned, although the run game as a whole stayed strong. Across his final three appearances, Vidal posted just 56 yards on 20 attempts.
Vidal was inked to a rare, one-year ERFA tender with Los Angeles this offseason. It's clear they intend for him to have some role in the offense in 2026. But there's lots of room for that role to fluctuate.
The threats to Vidal's role will come from both sides of the depth chart.
There's still a chance that Mitchell is slated for special-teams opportunities, but the addition of Brenen Thompson in the Draft makes it less likely. This would grant McDaniel the full share of Mitchell's snaps. If Mitchell can quickly prove to be integral to the implementation of McDaniel's scheme, his share of touches could rapidly increase.
Hampton played 63% of the team's offensive snaps when he was active in 2025. If he can stay healthy, that number should increase in 2026, and for good reason. While Vidal is a reliable, down-to-down back, he doesn't possess nearly the explosive-play potential that Hampton does. Last season under McDaniel, Miami Dolphins' running back De'Von Achane played 75% of the offensive snaps.
Hampton is more than worthy of the same number. If a breakout is indeed in store for the second-year back, it could mean a severe limit to the opportunities that Vidal will receive— a rough development for one of the Chargers' most inspiring contributors in 2025.
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