NC State suffered an unexpected setback along its offensive line after the NCAA denied Jai’Lun Hampton’s request for an additional year of eligibility.
Hampton, who transferred from UT Martin to NC State in February, had planned to spend what he believed would be his final season with the Wolfpack. However, the NCAA’s decision to reject his bid for a sixth year has brought those plans to an abrupt end.
According to Hampton, he applied for a medical hardship waiver tied to his first collegiate season at Iowa Western Community College. However, UT Martin was later informed by the NCAA that the request had been denied.
As a result of the ruling, Hampton’s college football career ends before he has the opportunity to take the field for NC State.
Veteran Experience Lost
Although Hampton never appeared in a game for the Wolfpack, he was expected to add valuable depth and veteran leadership to the offensive line.
NC State brought Hampton in through the Transfer Portal in February, believing his experience and versatility would strengthen one of the roster’s most critical position groups heading into the 2027 campaign.
Instead, the Wolfpack will now have to continue without one of their experienced transfer additions.
Strong Career at UT Martin
Hampton established himself as one of UT Martin’s most reliable offensive linemen during his two seasons with the Skyhawks.
After playing in 11 games as a reserve during his first year while earning a 52.8 Pro Football Focus grade, he made significant progress in 2025 and emerged as one of the team’s top performers.
2025 Season
- Earned Second Team All-OVC/Big South honors
- Posted a 67.6 Pro Football Focus grade
- Ranked as the team’s second-highest graded offensive lineman
- Finished with the sixth-highest offensive grade overall
- Recorded 70 knockdowns
- Allowed only three sacks throughout the season
His development turned him into a highly regarded Transfer Portal prospect before he ultimately committed to NC State.
JUCO Career Set the Stage
Before arriving at UT Martin, Hampton played at Iowa Western Community College, where he produced one of the strongest seasons of his collegiate career.
During his second junior college campaign, he:
- Started all 11 games
- Did not allow a single sack
- Registered 60 knockdowns
He later transferred to Charlotte in 2023 but did not see game action before eventually continuing his career at UT Martin.
A Disappointing Ending for Hampton and NC State
While Hampton’s absence reduces NC State’s depth along the offensive line, the decision is especially disappointing for the veteran lineman.
After competing at multiple programs and earning All-Conference honors, Hampton believed he had one final chance to prove himself at the Power Four level and improve his NFL prospects.
Instead, the NCAA’s ruling brings his collegiate career to an unexpected end.
For NC State, the loss comes before preseason camp even begins, leaving the coaching staff to depend more heavily on returning linemen and younger players to fill the void this season.
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