NCAA Denies Jai’Lun Hampton’s Sixth Season, Dealing Blow to NC State’s Offensive Line

NC State’s offensive line took an unexpected hit today.

Offensive lineman Jai’Lun Hampton announced in February that he would transfer from UT Martin to NC State for what he believed would be his final season of eligibility. However, that plan has come to an end after the NCAA denied his request for a sixth year.

 

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According to Hampton, he was seeking a medical hardship waiver for his first collegiate season at Iowa Western Community College, but the NCAA informed UT Martin that the waiver request had been denied.

The decision means Hampton’s college career has come to an end before he ever suited up for the Wolfpack.

A Veteran Presence Lost

Although Hampton had yet to play a snap at NC State, he was expected to provide valuable depth and experience along the offensive line.

The Wolfpack added Hampton through the Transfer Portal in February, hoping his experience and versatility would bolster one of the team’s most important position groups entering the 2027 season.

Instead, NC State will now have to move forward without one of its veteran additions.

Strong Finish at UT Martin

Hampton developed into one of UT Martin’s top offensive linemen during his two seasons with the Skyhawks.

After appearing in 11 games as a reserve during his first season and earning a 52.8 Pro Football Focus grade, Hampton took a major step forward in 2025.

2025 Season

Second Team All-OVC/Big South
67.6 PFF grade
Second-highest graded offensive lineman on the team
Sixth-highest offensive grade overall
70 knockdowns
Only three sacks allowed

His improvement made him an attractive Transfer Portal target for several programs before ultimately choosing NC State.

JUCO Success Laid the Foundation

Before transferring to UT Martin, Hampton played at Iowa Western Community College, where he enjoyed one of the best seasons of his collegiate career.

During his second JUCO season, he:

Started 11 games
Allowed zero sacks
Recorded 60 knockdowns

He later transferred to Charlotte in 2023 but did not appear in a game before eventually landing at UT Martin.

A Tough Outcome for Hampton and NC State

While the loss certainly impacts NC State’s offensive line depth, the biggest disappointment belongs to Hampton himself.

After working through multiple stops during his college career and earning All-Conference recognition, he believed he had one final opportunity to compete at the Power Four level to make an impression on NFL scouts.

Instead, the NCAA’s decision brings his college career to an earlier-than-expected conclusion.

For NC State, the Wolfpack now loses an experienced offensive lineman before preseason camp even begins, forcing the coaching staff to rely more heavily on its returning players and younger depth options this fall.