Virginia Tech Makes The Top Seven for 2026 Four-Star Running Back Evan Hampton

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Recruiting has been the main topic for most college football programs for the past month and for Virginia Tech, they are hoping to add to what has been a solid start in the 2026 classes. One of the top targets for the Hokies is going to be four-star running back Evan Hampton, who released his list of top seven schools today. Hampton did include Brent Pry and Virginia Tech among his top seven schools, along with Indiana, NC State, West Virginia, Duke, Vanderbilt, and Louisville.
NEWS: Virginia Tech makes the top 7 for priority ‘26 3⭐️ RB Evan Hampton from Owensboro (Ky.)
— Kolby Crawford (@kolby_crawford) February 4, 2025
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Hampton plays his high school football at Owensboro High School in Owensboro, KY and is a four-star prospect according to the 247Sports Composite, ranking as the No. 298 player in the country, the No. 26 running back in the country, and the No. 1 player in the state of Kentucky. He holds other offers from Arkansas, Boston College, Illinois, Kentucy, Stanford, Penn State, and TCU, among others. He would be a great addition to the class and give them another future playmaker.
The Hokies are already off to a strong start in the 2026 class and have the commitment of four-star wide receiver Carnell Warren, who committed to Virginia Tech during the Under Armour All-American Bowl.
Warren officially committed to the Hokies over Duke, Wake Forest, and Georgia Tech. Warren becomes the first commitment for Virginia Tech in the 2026 recruiting class and will be a nice building block for Brent Pry and this staff. The Hokies have done a nice job at recruiting the wide receiver position as of late and Warren becomes the latest talented pass catcher to commit to Virginia Tech.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Warren is a four-star prospect, the No. 277 player in the country, the No. 44 wide receiver, and the No. 6 player in the state of South Carolina.
Here is the scouting report on Warren courtesy of 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins, who compares Warren to former Miami and current Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton:
"Hulking wide receiver with plus athleticism that can make contested catches and play through traffic. Followed up breakout sophomore campaign with a productive junior year, totaling 14 touchdowns in 11 games. One of the scores was featured on the NFL Network. Thrives in 50-50 situations as his superior bounce and impressive body control allow him to play above the opponent's shoulder pads. However, shouldn't be viewed as just a red zone specialist as he has flashed the ability to make dynamic lateral cuts and pick up chunks of yardage on screens and quick in-breaking routes. Must keep progressing and honing his craft, but should be viewed as a potential difference-maker on Saturdays that can win on the perimeter with his 6-foot-4 size and ball skills."
Additional Links:
OFFICIAL: Las Vegas Aces sign Virginia Tech legend Liz Kitley
Virginia Tech Football: A look back at the Hokies’ 2021 Recruiting Class
Virginia Tech opens as Underdog in Week One Matchup against South Carolina

RJ Schafer joined the On SI team in 2024, contributing to the coverage of Major League Baseball, Collegiate Basketball, and Collegiate Football at https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/. Prior to this, RJ built a strong portfolio covering Georgia Tech and the Tigers for the Bleav Network. With a solid background in sports journalism, RJ has conducted interviews with both collegiate and professional athletes, enhancing the depth and authenticity of his reporting. RJ's extensive experience in the sports industry has equipped him with a keen understanding of the dynamics and intricacies of both collegiate and professional sports. His work is focused on providing insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage, making him a trusted voice in the sports community.
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Jackson Caudell has been covering Georgia Tech Athletics For On SI since March 2022 and the Atlanta Hawks for On SI since October 2023. Jackson is also the co-host of the Bleav in Georgia Tech podcast and he loves to bring thoughtful analysis and comprehensive coverage to everything that he does. Find him on X @jacksoncaudell
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