Sam Hartman The Bachelor has become a major talking point among reality television fans after ABC officially selected the former college football star as the leading man for Season 30 of The Bachelor. The announcement came on November 13, 2026, during Good Morning America, introducing viewers to a familiar name in college football who is now preparing for an entirely different kind of competition.
Hartman, 27, has built his reputation through his football performances at Wake Forest University and Notre Dame. He also pursued a professional football career with the Washington Commanders. Now, he is stepping into the spotlight as the man hoping to find love among a group of women competing for his attention.
His selection has answered an important question for Bachelor Nation: Who is the next Bachelor? ABC has confirmed that Hartman will lead the franchise’s 30th season, bringing a different background and personality to the long-running dating series.
The new season is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. With the lead officially announced, attention is turning toward his personal life, football achievements, relationship expectations, and the women who will join him on the journey.
Who Is Sam Hartman?
Sam Hartman is an American football quarterback born on July 29, 1999, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before becoming the newest star of The Bachelor, he established himself as an accomplished college football player.
He became widely recognized during his time with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, where he developed into one of the most productive quarterbacks in the program’s history.
After five seasons at Wake Forest, Hartman transferred to the University of Notre Dame for the 2023 season. His performances at both universities helped establish his reputation as a talented quarterback with considerable experience.
Hartman completed his college career with 15,656 passing yards and 134 touchdown passes, making him one of the most accomplished passers in ACC history.
Following college, he entered the NFL and signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
His move to reality television introduces a new chapter in his public life. Instead of preparing for football games, he will now focus on developing romantic relationships, communicating his feelings, and determining whether one of the contestants could become his future partner.
Sam Hartman’s Early Life and Family Background
Hartman grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, in a family with strong professional and personal values.
His father, Mark Hartman, is an orthopedic spine surgeon, while his mother, Lisa Hartman, works as a labor and delivery nurse.
Their professional backgrounds have exposed Hartman to the importance of responsibility, compassion, and helping other people.
Family support has also played an important role in his journey. During his announcement interview, Hartman discussed how his parents encouraged him to approach the Bachelor experience with confidence and authenticity.
Their advice was to remain himself, enjoy the opportunity, and trust his instincts.
That support could be particularly valuable as he navigates the unusual experience of dating multiple women while being filmed for a national television audience.
Sam Hartman’s College Football Career
Hartman’s football background is an important part of his identity. His performances at Wake Forest and Notre Dame helped him become a recognizable figure before ABC selected him for Season 30.
Wake Forest University: Building a Football Reputation
Hartman joined Wake Forest in 2018 and played for the Demon Deacons through the 2022 season.
During his five seasons, he developed into one of the most successful quarterbacks in the university’s history.
His achievements included:
- 12,967 passing yards.
- 110 passing touchdowns.
- 27 career victories as a starting quarterback.
- Multiple All-ACC honors.
- Recognition as one of the conference’s most productive quarterbacks.
His consistency and passing ability made him an important part of the Wake Forest football program.
Hartman also gained national recognition through his performances against major college football opponents.
His achievements provided a strong foundation for the next stage of his football career.
Notre Dame: A New Chapter in 2023
After completing five seasons at Wake Forest, Hartman transferred to Notre Dame.
His arrival attracted considerable attention because he was already an experienced quarterback with a strong record.
During the 2023 season, he became the Fighting Irish’s starting quarterback and recorded:
- 2,689 passing yards.
- 24 touchdown passes.
- A 63.5% completion percentage.
- 12 games played.
His season at Notre Dame added another important achievement to his college career.
By the time he completed his eligibility, Hartman had established himself as a quarterback with substantial experience and an impressive statistical record.
Sam Hartman’s NFL Career
Following his college career, Hartman entered the 2024 NFL Draft.
Although he was not selected, the Washington Commanders signed him as an undrafted free agent in April 2024.
The opportunity allowed him to continue pursuing his professional football ambitions.
Breaking into the NFL is difficult for any player, particularly an undrafted quarterback competing against players with established professional experience.
Hartman continued working toward his goals through training and opportunities with Washington.
His professional football journey has also helped him maintain a public profile outside college athletics.
His appearance on The Bachelor should be viewed as a new television opportunity rather than proof that he has permanently abandoned football.
Has Sam Hartman Appeared on Television Before?
Yes. Hartman has previous television experience through the documentary series QB1: Beyond the Lights.
The program followed talented high school quarterbacks as they prepared for college football and dealt with the challenges of athletic competition, school, friendships, and family expectations.
His appearance gave audiences an opportunity to see his personality outside a traditional football broadcast.
However, The Bachelor will be a completely different experience.
Instead of discussing athletic development, Hartman will be sharing personal stories, participating in romantic dates, and making emotional decisions.
The series will also give viewers a closer look at how he handles relationships and public attention.
Why Did Sam Hartman Agree to Become The Bachelor?
Hartman admitted that he was initially hesitant about accepting the opportunity.
During his November 13 appearance on Good Morning America, he discussed feeling excited and nervous about becoming the next Bachelor.
He also joked about the difficulty of talking to 30 women, suggesting that even having a conversation with one woman could sometimes be challenging.
His comments provided an early glimpse of his personality and made the announcement more entertaining.
A conversation with Jesse Palmer, the host of The Bachelor, also helped Hartman understand what participating in the show would involve.
Palmer’s own background as a professional football player gave him a connection to Hartman’s sporting experiences.
Ultimately, Hartman decided that the possibility of finding a lasting relationship was worth stepping outside his comfort zone.
His parents also encouraged him to remain authentic and trust the experience.
For Hartman, the opportunity is about more than appearing on television. He has expressed interest in meeting someone with whom he could potentially build a future.
What Is Sam Hartman Looking for in a Partner?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Sam Hartman The Bachelor is what type of woman he hopes to meet.
During his first interview following the announcement, Hartman discussed several qualities that he finds attractive.
Ambition and Motivation
Hartman has expressed interest in someone who is ambitious, motivated, and passionate about her personal goals.
He appreciates a competitive personality and wants a partner who has something meaningful to pursue.
This does not necessarily mean that he wants a relationship filled with competition.
Instead, he appears interested in someone who encourages personal growth and has her own interests and ambitions.
Compassion and Kindness
Compassion is another important quality for Hartman.
His family background and his parents’ professions have helped shape his appreciation for people who care about others.
He wants someone who demonstrates kindness and understands the importance of helping people.
These qualities could become particularly important as he develops connections with the contestants.
Independence and Personal Goals
Hartman’s comments about ambition also suggest that independence matters to him.
He wants a partner who has her own interests, responsibilities, and direction in life.
A healthy relationship should allow both people to pursue their individual goals while supporting each other’s ambitions.
A Long-Term Commitment
Perhaps the most important factor is the possibility of building a lasting relationship.
Hartman has indicated that he is interested in finding someone with whom he could eventually create a future.
That makes the upcoming season particularly interesting because viewers will be watching him determine which connections have genuine long-term potential.
What Makes Sam Hartman Different From Previous Bachelors?
ABC’s decision to select Hartman is notable because the franchise has often chosen its leading men from previous seasons of The Bachelorette.
Hartman comes from a different background.
He established his public identity through college and professional football rather than through a previous appearance as a contestant in Bachelor Nation.
Several factors make his selection distinctive.
A professional sports background: His experience at Wake Forest, Notre Dame, and with the Washington Commanders gives him an identity outside reality television.
A different television experience: Although he appeared in a football documentary, he has not previously led a major romantic reality competition.
A competitive personality: His football background could influence his approach to group activities and challenges.
A focus on meaningful relationships: His comments suggest that he is interested in finding a partner with long-term potential.
An opportunity to reach new audiences: His selection could attract football fans who might not normally watch the dating franchise.
These elements give Season 30 an opportunity to introduce a fresh personality while maintaining the familiar format of the series.
Who Is the Next Bachelor for Season 30?
The answer is officially confirmed: Sam Hartman is the next Bachelor.
ABC revealed his selection on November 13, 2026, during Good Morning America.
The announcement ended speculation about who would become the leading man for the milestone 30th season.
His casting is particularly interesting because viewers were expecting the network to introduce another personality following the franchise’s scheduling uncertainty.
Instead, ABC selected a former college football star with an established public profile.
Hartman’s background gives the new season a different identity from previous installments.
Now that his selection is official, attention will shift toward the contestant lineup, filming developments, and the first promotional material.
When Does The Bachelor Season 30 Start?
ABC has officially confirmed the premiere date for the next season.
The Bachelor Season 30 premieres on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
The new season will air on ABC and will also be available through Hulu following its television broadcast.
Here are the important details:
| Season Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Television series | The Bachelor |
| Season | 30 |
| Leading man | Sam Hartman |
| Premiere date | March 21, 2027 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Start time | 8:01 p.m. ET/PT |
| Network | ABC |
| Streaming service | Hulu |
| Streaming availability | Following day |
The March premiere represents a change from the January launch traditionally associated with many previous seasons.
The new season will occupy a Sunday evening time slot, with ABC scheduling What Would You Do? afterward.
For viewers who prefer streaming, Hulu will provide access to new episodes the following day.
Why Is The Bachelor Returning in March 2027?
The return of The Bachelor comes after an unusual period for the franchise.
The previous regular season featured Grant Ellis, whose journey concluded in March 2025.
Ellis proposed to Juliana Pasquarosa during the finale. However, the couple later announced that they had ended their relationship.
Following that season, viewers expected the franchise to continue with its regular programming.
However, ABC’s plans became more complicated after the network canceled the planned 2026 season of The Bachelorette featuring Taylor Frankie Paul.
The cancellation created uncertainty about the future of the franchise and its television schedule.
Viewers began questioning when another season of The Bachelor would arrive.
ABC eventually confirmed the return of the flagship dating series for its milestone 30th season in 2027.
The March 21 premiere date gives fans a confirmed timeline, while Hartman’s selection provides a new personality around whom the upcoming season will be built.
What Can Viewers Expect From Sam Hartman’s Bachelor Season?
Season 30 is expected to retain the familiar dating competition format that has made The Bachelor popular with American audiences.
Hartman will meet a group of women who are interested in developing a romantic connection with him.
Throughout the season, he will participate in individual dates, group activities, personal conversations, and rose ceremonies.
Each experience will help him determine which relationships have the strongest potential.
One-on-One Dates
Individual dates allow the Bachelor to spend time with one contestant away from the larger group.
These experiences create opportunities for more personal conversations and stronger emotional connections.
Hartman may discuss his football career, family, ambitions, and expectations for the future.
The contestants will also have opportunities to share their own experiences and explain what they want from a relationship.
Group Dates and Competitive Challenges
Group dates bring several contestants together for activities and challenges.
Hartman’s athletic background could make these events particularly interesting.
He has already hinted at competitive activities and the possibility of football-related challenges.
Although ABC has not released a complete list of dates, his sporting interests could provide inspiration for some of the season’s activities.
Rose Ceremonies
Rose ceremonies remain one of the most recognizable features of the franchise.
At the end of each ceremony, Hartman decides which women will continue their journeys.
The contestants who receive roses remain in the competition, while those who do not are eliminated.
These decisions can become increasingly emotional as the relationships develop.
Hometown Dates
Hometown dates generally take place during the later stages of the competition.
Hartman will have the opportunity to visit the hometowns of the remaining contestants and meet their families.
These experiences can help him understand their personal backgrounds, family values, and expectations for the future.
The Final Decision
The season will eventually reach its final stage, when Hartman must determine which relationship has the strongest potential.
The finale will reveal whether he is ready to make a long-term commitment and what decision he makes about his future.
Who Are the Women Competing for Sam Hartman?
The identities of the contestants are among the biggest details viewers are waiting to discover.
ABC has announced Hartman as the lead, but the complete contestant lineup has not yet been confirmed.
The women will play a major role in determining the direction of the season.
Their careers, personalities, interests, and personal experiences will shape the relationships that develop throughout the competition.
Viewers can expect the traditional combination of romantic moments, unexpected connections, emotional conversations, and difficult decisions.
Until ABC releases the official cast information, names circulating online should be treated as speculation rather than confirmed contestants.
Could Sam Hartman Find His Future Wife on The Bachelor?
Whether Hartman finds a lasting relationship is one of the biggest questions surrounding Season 30.
His comments suggest that he is approaching the experience with genuine interest in meeting someone.
He has discussed ambition, compassion, shared values, and long-term commitment as important parts of a successful relationship.
However, finding love through a televised competition can be challenging.
The contestants must develop connections while dealing with cameras, filming schedules, public attention, and the unusual experience of dating the same person in a competitive environment.
Hartman will also need to determine whether his strongest romantic connections are compatible with his lifestyle and future ambitions.
A lasting relationship requires more than attraction.
Trust, communication, respect, and shared expectations will ultimately determine whether a connection can continue after the show.
What Should Fans Watch Before the March 2027 Premiere?
Several developments are likely to attract attention before the new season begins.
1. The Contestant Announcement
The official contestant lineup will be one of the most anticipated updates.
Fans will want to learn about the women competing for Hartman’s attention and their individual backgrounds.
2. The First Season Trailer
The promotional trailer should offer a closer look at Hartman’s personality as the leading man.
It may also introduce some of the romantic dates, group activities, and emotional moments featured in the season.
3. Filming Developments
Additional production information could provide details about locations and the overall direction of the season.
However, unofficial spoilers should not be confused with confirmed announcements.
4. Football-Inspired Activities
Hartman’s sporting background could become an important theme.
His comments about competitive activities have already created interest in whether contestants will participate in football-related challenges.
5. The Season Premiere
March 21, 2027, is the most important date for viewers.
The premiere will introduce Hartman’s search for love and the women hoping to develop a meaningful connection with him.
Where Can You Watch Sam Hartman on The Bachelor?
U.S. viewers will have several options for watching Season 30.
ABC: The series premieres on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Hulu: New episodes will be available to stream the day after their original ABC broadcast.
Disney+: Eligible U.S. subscribers with the Hulu and Disney+ bundle can also access Hulu content through Disney+.
Viewers who prefer streaming should check their subscriptions and local availability before the premiere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Hartman The Bachelor
1. Is Sam Hartman the next Bachelor?
Yes. ABC officially announced Sam Hartman as the leading man for Season 30 of The Bachelor on November 13, 2026, during Good Morning America.
2. Who is Sam Hartman?
Sam Hartman is an American football quarterback who played college football at Wake Forest and Notre Dame. He also pursued a professional football career with the Washington Commanders.
3. How old is Sam Hartman?
Sam Hartman is 27 years old. He was born on July 29, 1999.
4. When does The Bachelor Season 30 start?
Season 30 premieres Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
5. Where can I watch Sam Hartman on The Bachelor?
Viewers can watch the series on ABC. New episodes will also be available on Hulu the following day.
6. What college did Sam Hartman attend?
Hartman played five seasons of college football at Wake Forest University before transferring to the University of Notre Dame for the 2023 season.
7. What does Sam Hartman want in a partner?
He has expressed interest in someone who is ambitious, competitive, compassionate, independent, and motivated to achieve personal goals.
8. Has Sam Hartman appeared on television before?
Yes. He previously appeared in QB1: Beyond the Lights, a documentary series about high school quarterbacks.
9. Will Sam Hartman’s season include football challenges?
Hartman has hinted that competitive activities could be part of the upcoming season, potentially including football-inspired challenges. The complete schedule has not been announced.
10. Who was the previous Bachelor before Sam Hartman?
Grant Ellis was the lead for Season 29. His season concluded in March 2025, when he proposed to Juliana Pasquarosa. The couple later separated.
11. Is Sam Hartman leaving football to become the Bachelor?
His selection as the Bachelor does not establish that he is permanently leaving football. His television appearance represents another opportunity in his public career.
12. How many women will compete for Sam Hartman?
The official contestant lineup has not yet been announced. ABC is expected to provide additional casting information before the season premieres.
Final Thoughts
Sam Hartman is bringing a different background to The Bachelor as ABC prepares to celebrate the franchise’s 30th season. His accomplishments at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, professional football experience, and interest in finding a meaningful relationship make him an interesting choice for the leading role.
The upcoming season will give viewers an opportunity to discover his personality beyond football and see how he approaches dating, emotional connections, and the possibility of long-term commitment.
With the premiere scheduled for March 21, 2027, Bachelor Nation has a confirmed date to anticipate. The contestant announcement and first promotional trailer should provide the next major details about his journey.
Are you excited to see Sam Hartman lead The Bachelor Season 30? Share your thoughts about ABC’s unexpected casting choice and stay tuned for the latest updates on his journey to find love!