October 31, 2026 — Oregon Ducks freshman wide receiver Messiah Hampton was arrested Friday in connection with a high-speed police chase in Springfield, Oregon, nearly two weeks earlier. He faces two felony counts of attempting to elude police and one misdemeanor reckless driving charge, according to police and jail records.
Hampton was booked into Lane County Jail on October 30 and released later that day. The arrest comes ahead of Oregon’s Saturday matchup against Northwestern, for which the receiver has been ruled out.
Oregon WR Messiah Hampton was arrested Friday on charges of reckless driving and eluding police, @oregonlive reports. The arrest follows an October 18 high-speed chase involving two vehicles in Springfield. https://t.co/YzXNxIu4Ra https://t.co/DXsNoekGEL
— On3 (@On3) October 31, 2026
Messiah Hampton Arrested After October 18 Police Chase
The investigation began around 3:51 a.m. on October 18, when Springfield officers pursued two vehicles traveling at high speeds near the West Centennial area.
Both vehicles initially escaped. Officers reportedly discontinued the pursuit because of safety concerns, and one vehicle was later discovered abandoned in a residential neighborhood.
Springfield Police Deputy Chief George Crolly confirmed Friday that investigators identified Hampton as the driver of one vehicle.
“Mr. Hampton has been identified as the driver of one of the vehicles,” Crolly said. Police were still working to identify the second driver.
Oregon Receiver Faces Two Felony Charges
According to Lane County Jail records, Hampton faces three criminal allegations:
- Two felony counts: Attempting to elude police.
- One misdemeanor count: Reckless driving.
The felony allegations are more serious than a routine traffic citation, although the potential consequences depend on the formal charges and court proceedings.
Hampton was released from custody Friday. His next court date and any conditions of release were not confirmed in the initial report.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Evan Stewart and Jamari Johnson Also Stopped That Night
The October 18 investigation attracted attention because another Oregon receiver, Evan Stewart, was arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) nearby later that morning.
Stewart’s arrest occurred around 5 a.m., after police located an abandoned vehicle connected to the earlier pursuit.
Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson was also cited for speeding that morning, reportedly receiving a citation carrying a $440 presumptive fine.
However, Springfield police said neither Stewart nor Johnson was believed to be involved in the high-speed chase.
Authorities also cautioned against unverified speculation that multiple Oregon football players had participated in street racing.
Further details about the investigation were reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive, citing Springfield police and Lane County Jail officials.
Hampton Ruled Out for Oregon vs. Northwestern
Hampton was a late addition to Oregon’s Friday availability report and listed as out for Saturday’s October 31 game against Northwestern.
The matchup is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time at Autzen Stadium, with coverage on Peacock.
Hampton also missed Oregon’s previous game against Illinois, making this his second consecutive absence.
Oregon has not publicly confirmed whether his latest absence is directly connected to the arrest or a separate team decision.
Messiah Hampton’s 2026 Season and Oregon Football Impact
Hampton, a freshman from Rochester, New York, wears No. 15 for the Ducks. His reported season statistics include 18 receptions, 161 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
He recorded six catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns against Portland State on September 18.
His absence adds another personnel concern for Oregon, which has already dealt with quarterback Dante Moore’s season-ending injury.
The Ducks have also faced questions about their offensive depth following Moore’s injury against USC.
Police Continue Search for Second Driver
Springfield police were still attempting to identify the driver of the second vehicle as of Friday evening.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning previously said the program was gathering information about the October 18 incidents and would handle disciplinary matters internally. Those comments preceded Hampton’s arrest.
No new disciplinary action against Hampton or confirmed court date was announced in the initial reporting.
Hampton remains out for Northwestern, while his criminal case awaits further proceedings. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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