Sam Hartman Notre Dame supporters once watched as he led the Fighting Irish offense, delivered important performances, and established himself as one of college football’s recognizable quarterbacks. Now, Hartman is preparing for a completely different challenge. The former Notre Dame star has officially been selected as the lead of ABC’s The Bachelor Season 30, bringing his football background to one of America’s most popular dating reality shows.
ABC announced Hartman’s casting on November 13, 2026, during Good Morning America. The announcement immediately attracted attention because Hartman is not a traditional reality television personality. His public profile comes primarily from his college football achievements at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, followed by his pursuit of a professional football career.
At 27, Hartman is entering a new phase of his public life. Instead of preparing for football games, he will be meeting 30 women who hope to develop a romantic connection with him. His goal is to find someone with whom he can build a meaningful and lasting relationship.
The announcement also confirms the return of the flagship Bachelor franchise for its 30th season. ABC has scheduled the premiere for March 21, 2027, giving viewers an official date for the show’s comeback.
Hartman’s selection raises several interesting questions. How did the former Fighting Irish quarterback become involved with the franchise? What did he accomplish at Notre Dame? Is he still pursuing professional football? And what should viewers expect from his upcoming season?
Here’s everything to know about Sam Hartman and his unexpected transition from college football to reality television.
Who Is Sam Hartman, The Bachelor Season 30 Star?
Sam Hartman is an American football quarterback best known for playing college football at Wake Forest University and the University of Notre Dame.
Born on July 29, 1999, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hartman developed his football career through high school before joining Wake Forest in 2018.
He spent several seasons with the Demon Deacons and eventually became one of the most productive quarterbacks in the program’s history.
His performances attracted national attention and helped him establish a reputation as an experienced and dependable offensive leader.
In 2023, Hartman transferred to Notre Dame, where he became the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish.
Following his college career, he pursued opportunities in professional football and signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
His latest career development is considerably different from his previous experiences. ABC has selected him to lead the 30th season of The Bachelor, introducing him to an audience that may know little about his football background.
Unlike contestants who become leads after appearing on previous seasons, Hartman arrives with an established identity outside Bachelor Nation.
Sam Hartman’s Notre Dame Career: The Football Journey That Made Him Famous
Sam Hartman’s connection to Notre Dame remains one of the defining parts of his career.
When he transferred from Wake Forest ahead of the 2023 season, the Fighting Irish gained an experienced quarterback with several years of college football experience.
Hartman immediately became an important part of the team’s offensive plans.
His ability to read defenses, make accurate throws, and manage difficult situations helped him establish himself as a leader within the program.
He started all 12 regular-season games during his only season at Notre Dame.
His 2023 statistics included:
- Passing yards: 2,689.
- Passing touchdowns: 24.
- Completions: 191.
- Pass attempts: 301.
- Completion percentage: 63.5%.
- Interceptions: 8.
- Rushing touchdowns: 3.
These performances helped Notre Dame maintain a competitive offense throughout the season.
Hartman also received recognition for his contributions to the program. He was named Notre Dame’s Most Valuable Player for 2023 and served as a team captain.
Although he spent just one season in South Bend, his impact made him a recognizable figure among Fighting Irish supporters.
That connection is particularly relevant to his new television role. Notre Dame has a substantial national football following, and Hartman’s previous performances provide a natural introduction to viewers who might not normally watch reality dating programs.
Why Notre Dame Fans Are Interested in Sam Hartman’s Bachelor Announcement
The announcement creates an unusual connection between college football and reality television.
Notre Dame supporters recognize Hartman as the quarterback who helped lead the Fighting Irish during the 2023 season.
Bachelor Nation, meanwhile, will get to know him through his personality, dating preferences, and interactions with contestants.
These are two very different audiences, but Hartman’s background gives ABC an opportunity to attract both.
His selection also provides a fresh direction for the franchise. Rather than choosing someone whose popularity was established through previous reality television appearances, the network has introduced a leading man with an existing sports following.
The transition could also make his season more interesting.
Hartman has spent much of his adult life competing in an environment where preparation, discipline, and performance matter. The Bachelor experience will require a different approach, particularly when it comes to communication and emotional compatibility.
For viewers, watching how he adjusts to this unfamiliar environment could become one of the season’s central attractions.
From Wake Forest to Notre Dame: Hartman’s College Football Success
Before becoming a Fighting Irish quarterback, Hartman built his reputation at Wake Forest University.
He joined the Demon Deacons in 2018 and gradually developed into one of the most productive players in the program.
His performances helped Wake Forest compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and his passing ability became a major part of the team’s offensive identity.
Hartman’s career included several impressive statistical achievements.
One of his most significant accomplishments was recording 110 career passing touchdowns at Wake Forest, setting the ACC career record.
His experience and production made him an attractive transfer option for Notre Dame.
The move to South Bend offered him an opportunity to finish his college career at another nationally recognized football program.
It also placed him in a position to gain additional exposure before pursuing the NFL.
Did Sam Hartman Play in the NFL? His Professional Football Career
After completing his college career, Hartman entered the 2024 NFL Draft.
He went undrafted but continued pursuing professional football by signing with the Washington Commanders.
Joining the organization gave him an opportunity to compete against other quarterbacks and work toward earning a place on an NFL roster.
He was subsequently associated with the Commanders’ practice squad.
His professional journey has been different from that of highly drafted quarterbacks who immediately receive starting opportunities.
Nevertheless, Hartman has continued pursuing his football ambitions.
His Bachelor casting introduces a new dimension to his career, but it should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation that he has retired from football.
The two professional interests may develop separately, and additional information about his future football commitments will help clarify how they fit together.
Why Did Sam Hartman Agree to Become The Bachelor?
Hartman’s decision to become the next Bachelor was not something he accepted without hesitation.
During his announcement appearance, he discussed feeling uncertain about entering the reality television environment.
The idea of meeting numerous women while allowing cameras to document his romantic experiences was unfamiliar.
However, speaking with Jesse Palmer helped him reconsider the opportunity.
Palmer understands both the sports world and the reality television industry. Before becoming a television host, he played football at the University of Florida and pursued a professional football career.
He also previously appeared as the Bachelor during the show’s fifth season.
That shared athletic background made Palmer an interesting person for Hartman to speak with before making his decision.
Ultimately, Hartman accepted the opportunity because he wants to find a meaningful relationship.
His decision also gives viewers an opportunity to see a different side of someone they may previously have known only as a football player.
What Is Sam Hartman Looking for in a Future Partner?
Hartman has offered some early insight into the qualities he hopes to find in a relationship.
He values ambition, competitiveness, kindness, and compassion.
For him, having a competitive personality does not necessarily mean being involved in sports. It is also about having goals, working toward personal achievements, and maintaining motivation.
He appreciates someone who is driven and has a strong sense of purpose.
At the same time, Hartman considers caring for others an important characteristic.
His comments suggest that he wants a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and genuine emotional connection.
Family also appears to be an important part of his decision-making process.
He has discussed receiving advice from his parents and brothers as he prepares to participate in the show.
Their guidance includes remaining authentic, enjoying the experience, and trusting his instincts.
Whether the contestants will match his expectations remains one of the biggest questions heading into the new season.
When Does The Bachelor Season 30 Start in 2027?
ABC has confirmed that The Bachelor Season 30 will premiere on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
The announcement gives Bachelor Nation a confirmed return date after the franchise experienced an extended break.
The new installment will mark the 30th season of the flagship dating series.
Here are the important viewing details:
| Category | Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Television series | The Bachelor |
| Season | 30 |
| Bachelor | Sam Hartman |
| Premiere date | March 21, 2027 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Broadcast time | 8 p.m. ET/PT |
| Network | ABC |
| Streaming platform | Hulu |
| Streaming availability | Following day |
The Sunday-night premiere is particularly notable because viewers have traditionally associated the franchise with Monday-night broadcasts.
The new scheduling gives the show a different position in ABC’s entertainment lineup.
For viewers who prefer streaming, Hulu will provide another way to watch the episodes after their initial television broadcast.
Why Is The Bachelor Returning After Its Extended Break?
The return of The Bachelor is an important development for ABC’s reality television lineup.
The franchise began in 2002 and became one of the network’s best-known unscripted entertainment properties.
Over the years, the series has produced numerous seasons, introduced different leading men, and helped establish related programs such as The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise.
However, recent scheduling developments created uncertainty about the future of the franchise.
Grant Ellis led Season 29, which concluded in March 2025.
The planned 2026 season of The Bachelorette, featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, was later canceled before its scheduled premiere following controversy surrounding footage of a past domestic incident.
That decision represented a significant programming change.
ABC subsequently confirmed the return of the flagship series with Season 30.
Choosing Hartman as the next Bachelor gives the franchise an opportunity to introduce a new personality while celebrating an important milestone.
It also offers a different type of lead from the contestants and personalities who have traditionally emerged from the franchise itself.
What Can Viewers Expect From Sam Hartman’s Bachelor Season?
Although the full production details have not been announced, Hartman’s season is expected to follow the traditional format.
He will meet a group of women who are interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with him.
Throughout the season, contestants will participate in different dates and activities designed to help Hartman determine which connections have the greatest potential.
First-Night Introductions
The opening episode will introduce the contestants and show their first interactions with Hartman.
First impressions will be important because each woman will have an opportunity to make herself memorable.
Individual Romantic Dates
One-on-one dates will give Hartman the opportunity to spend time with individual contestants.
These experiences can help him understand their personalities, interests, ambitions, and relationship expectations.
Group Activities
Group dates will bring multiple contestants together for different challenges and experiences.
These activities can reveal how contestants communicate and interact with one another.
Rose Ceremonies
Rose ceremonies will determine which women remain in the competition.
As contestants are eliminated, Hartman will have to make increasingly difficult decisions about the relationships he wants to continue exploring.
Hometown Visits
If the upcoming season follows the traditional format, the remaining contestants may introduce Hartman to their families.
These meetings can help him understand the family relationships and personal backgrounds that influence each woman’s life.
The Final Decision
The season will eventually reach its finale, when Hartman must decide which relationship he wants to pursue beyond the show.
Whether he becomes engaged or chooses a different path will be one of the most important questions for viewers.
Who Is Hosting Sam Hartman’s Season of The Bachelor?
Jesse Palmer is the host associated with the modern version of The Bachelor.
His connection to the franchise goes beyond hosting because he previously served as the Bachelor himself.
Palmer appeared as the leading man during Season 5 in 2004.
Before his television career, he played college football at the University of Florida and later pursued opportunities in professional football.
His experience makes him an interesting person to guide Hartman through the upcoming season.
Both men understand the pressures of competitive sports and the attention that comes with having a public profile.
Palmer’s conversation with Hartman reportedly helped him become more comfortable with the idea of joining the franchise.
Their shared football backgrounds could also create a distinctive dynamic throughout the season.
Will Sam Hartman Continue His Football Career After The Bachelor?
One of the questions surrounding Hartman’s casting is whether reality television will affect his professional football ambitions.
His football career and his Bachelor appearance are separate developments.
Hartman has pursued professional opportunities with the Washington Commanders after his college career.
However, ABC has not provided complete information about how his television commitments will fit around his football plans.
The timing is worth watching because the NFL season generally runs from September through January, while the new Bachelor season is scheduled to premiere in March.
The filming schedule, rather than the television premiere date alone, will be important when considering how the two commitments overlap.
For now, his appearance should not be treated as an official retirement announcement.
Football supporters may continue following his professional progress while Bachelor Nation gets an opportunity to learn more about his personal life.
What Should Fans Watch Before The Bachelor Season 30 Premiere?
Several announcements could attract attention between Hartman’s casting and the March 2027 premiere.
1. The Official Contestant List
The identities of the women competing for Hartman’s attention will be among the most anticipated details.
Their backgrounds, careers, interests, and personalities will help viewers understand the group he will be meeting.
2. The First Promotional Trailer
A trailer should provide an early look at the season, including romantic dates, emotional conversations, and potential relationship challenges.
3. Production and Filming Details
Additional information about filming locations and the production schedule could offer a clearer picture of what viewers can expect.
4. Hartman’s Professional Football Plans
His future with the Washington Commanders will remain relevant to fans interested in his life beyond television.
5. The Premiere and Opening Episode
The first episode will provide the clearest indication of how Hartman approaches the experience and which contestants immediately attract his attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the next Bachelor in 2027?
Sam Hartman is the next Bachelor. The former Notre Dame and Wake Forest quarterback was announced as the lead for Season 30 on November 13, 2026.
Is Sam Hartman a former Notre Dame quarterback?
Yes. Hartman played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2023 college football season after transferring from Wake Forest.
How old is Sam Hartman?
Sam Hartman is 27 years old. His birthday is July 29, 1999.
What did Sam Hartman accomplish at Notre Dame?
He recorded 2,689 passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns during the 2023 regular season. He also served as a team captain and received the program’s Most Valuable Player recognition.
When does The Bachelor Season 30 start?
The 30th season premieres on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Where can I watch The Bachelor 2027?
The new season will air on ABC, with episodes available on Hulu the following day.
Why did Sam Hartman join The Bachelor?
Hartman accepted the opportunity because he is interested in finding a meaningful, lasting relationship. A conversation with Jesse Palmer also helped him become comfortable with participating.
What kind of woman is Sam Hartman looking for?
He has expressed an interest in someone who is ambitious, competitive, compassionate, and caring.
Did Sam Hartman play for Wake Forest?
Yes. He played for Wake Forest before transferring to Notre Dame in 2023. He finished his Wake Forest career with 110 passing touchdowns, an ACC career record.
Does Sam Hartman play for the Washington Commanders?
Hartman signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has pursued professional opportunities with the organization.
Who is hosting The Bachelor Season 30?
Jesse Palmer is the host associated with the current franchise and helped Hartman consider the opportunity.
Has ABC revealed the contestants for Sam Hartman’s season?
The lead has been announced, but the complete contestant lineup has not yet been officially revealed.
Final Thoughts
Sam Hartman’s move from college football to reality television is an unexpected development that gives The Bachelor a fresh personality for its 30th season. His experience at Wake Forest and Notre Dame established his reputation among sports fans, while his professional football journey introduced him to another level of competition.
Now, he will have the opportunity to show a different side of himself as he meets 30 women and searches for a meaningful relationship. With the premiere scheduled for March 21, 2027, interest will continue growing as ABC reveals more about the contestants and upcoming episodes.
Are you excited to see former Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman become the next Bachelor? Share your opinion and keep following the latest developments ahead of Season 30!