Four-Star WR Messiah Hampton Talks Notre Dame Offer, Connections to Irish Program

2026 James Monroe (N.Y.) receiver Messiah Hampton‍ went down to Miami to compete at the Under Armour Camp over the weekend, leaving quite the impression in a loaded field. 

ON3 named the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder MVP and while Hampton didn’t need the confidence boost, the performance firmly established him as one of the best receivers in the country. 

“I would say I was confident in myself going into it because I know the work and preparation I’ve put in,” Hampton told ISD. “It was the cherry on top. It’s really me.”

It didn’t take long for Notre Dame to dish out an offer. Irish receivers coach Mike Brown offered the Rochester native on Tuesday and Hampton was fired up to say the least. 

“I was super excited knowing Notre Dame had just played in the national championship game,” said Hampton. “On top of that, I know they’re a great program in academics and football.

“It means a lot. A lot of schools have good reputations and have a good history, but to be one of the teams to make it recently, it means more than the reputation.” 

Brown, who played for the Jaguars and Panthers, quickly impressed Hampton with his history as a coach and player. 

“We only spoke a little bit so far, but he definitely seemed like a great coach,” explained Hampton. “He knows a lot about football and seems like a man I can learn a lot from as a person and football player. I’m excited to build a relationship with him.” 

The four-star prospect might just be starting his relationship with Notre Dame, but Brown’s ability to connect by being in Hampton’s shoes at one point hit home during their first conversation. 

“He actually did it and lived it,” Hampton stated. “He knows what it’s like. A lot of coaches are great coaches, but they haven’t played the position or made it to the NFL. They have a good understanding, but they don’t know what it’s like and what really goes into it.” 

Notre Dame is a school Hampton had been hoping to hear from as he’d heard a lot about it from Jarron and Jamir Jones, who are also Rochester natives. In fact, the elder Jones coached Hampton a few years ago and both have connected with him since Tuesday. 

“They definitely reached out to me and congratulated me,” Hampton said. “They are great role models in my life. Jarron coached me in ninth grade. He was very energetic and enthusiastic coach.” 

As for his spring visits, Hampton recently locked in his schedule before Notre Dame offered. That said, Hampton is already working on figuring out a date to get to South Bend. 

“I do have my visits planned,” said Hampton. “I haven’t set Notre Dame because my mom and I did this about a week and a half ago. We’re just waiting on Notre Dame to send over their visit dates.” 

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