Who Is Sam Hartman? Meet the Former Notre Dame Quarterback Named the Next Bachelor

Who is Sam Hartman? Sam Hartman is an American football quarterback who gained national attention through his college football career at Wake Forest and Notre Dame before pursuing a professional career in the NFL. However, he is attracting a new audience following a major announcement: Hartman has been selected as the star of The Bachelor Season 30.

The announcement introduces the former college football standout to viewers of ABC’s popular reality dating franchise. Known for his achievements on the football field, Hartman is now preparing for a very different challenge: meeting potential romantic partners and looking for a lasting relationship in front of television cameras.

His selection is particularly interesting because he comes from professional sports rather than the traditional pool of reality television personalities. His background, college football records, professional career, and recent television announcement have all contributed to growing public interest in his life.

Here’s what to know about Sam Hartman, including his age, football background, time at Notre Dame, NFL career, and upcoming appearance on The Bachelor.

Who Is Sam Hartman?

Sam Hartman is an American football quarterback born on July 29, 1999, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He became a recognizable name in college football after spending five seasons with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons before transferring to the University of Notre Dame for his final college season in 2023.

Hartman established himself as one of the more productive quarterbacks in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history. His passing performances, leadership, and ability to produce touchdowns helped him build a strong reputation among college football fans.

After completing his college career, he entered the 2024 NFL Draft but was not selected. He subsequently signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional football journey.

His public profile expanded again when ABC announced on November 13, 2026, that he would lead the 30th season of The Bachelor.

The casting announcement represents a significant change in his public career. Instead of competing for a place in an NFL quarterback room, Hartman will become the central personality in a nationally televised dating series.

How Old Is Sam Hartman? Age, Birthplace, and Early Life

Sam Hartman was born on July 29, 1999, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is 27 years old as of November 2026.

He developed an interest in football at an early age and eventually became a standout high school quarterback. His development as a young athlete helped him attract attention from college football programs and establish the foundation for his future career.

Hartman attended Oceanside Collegiate Academy in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he played quarterback. His performances helped him earn recognition as a promising prospect in the 2018 recruiting class.

He also appeared in the second season of Netflix’s football documentary series QB1: Beyond the Lights. The program followed high school quarterbacks as they navigated the pressures of football, school, and their personal lives.

His appearance introduced him to audiences beyond traditional college football fans. It also gave viewers an early look at his personality and ambitions before he became a nationally recognized college quarterback.

Sam Hartman’s College Football Career

Hartman’s college football career is an important part of understanding why he became a recognizable name in American sports.

He spent five seasons at Wake Forest University before transferring to Notre Dame for his final season of college eligibility. Across those two programs, he developed an impressive statistical record and established himself as one of the ACC’s most productive quarterbacks.

Wake Forest University (2018–2022)

Hartman began his college football career with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in 2018. He quickly became an important part of the team’s offense and eventually established himself as its starting quarterback.

His time at Wake Forest included several productive seasons, particularly in 2021 and 2022.

During the 2021 season, Hartman passed for 4,228 yards and 39 touchdowns. His performances helped Wake Forest put together one of its strongest offensive campaigns in recent years.

He continued producing at a high level in 2022, recording 3,701 passing yards and 38 touchdown passes.

His achievements included:

• Setting Wake Forest career records for completions and passing attempts.
• Establishing the program’s career records for total touchdowns and total yards.
• Recording multiple seasons with more than 3,000 passing yards.
• Becoming one of the most productive quarterbacks in ACC history.
• Recording 21 career games with at least 300 passing yards, an ACC record.

Hartman’s consistency and leadership made him one of Wake Forest’s most recognizable football players during his time with the program.

Transfer to Notre Dame in 2023

In January 2023, Hartman announced his decision to transfer to the University of Notre Dame.

The move represented a new chapter in his college football career. Notre Dame provided an opportunity to compete at another prominent football program while using his final season of college eligibility.

Hartman became the Fighting Irish’s starting quarterback and quickly made an impression.

He opened his Notre Dame career with an impressive performance against Navy in Dublin, Ireland, throwing for 251 yards and four touchdowns. That performance tied Notre Dame’s record for touchdown passes by a quarterback making his debut.

During the 2023 season, Hartman recorded:

• 2,689 passing yards.
• 24 touchdown passes.
• Eight interceptions.
• A 63.5% completion rate.
• 12 starts.

He helped Notre Dame finish the regular season with a 9–3 record.

Although his time at Notre Dame lasted only one season, it further increased his national visibility and strengthened his professional football prospects.

Sam Hartman’s Football Records and Career Statistics

One reason people continue searching for Sam Hartman is his impressive college football record.

His combined performances at Wake Forest and Notre Dame placed him among the most productive passers in the history of the ACC and the broader Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Across 60 college games, Hartman recorded:

His 134 career touchdown passes established an ACC record and placed him among the top 20 quarterbacks in FBS history for career passing touchdowns.

He also finished his college career with 15,656 passing yards, another figure that placed him among the leading passers in FBS history.

These accomplishments explain why Hartman attracted attention from professional football organizations despite not being selected in the NFL Draft.

Did Sam Hartman Play in the NFL?

Yes. Sam Hartman pursued a professional football career after completing his college eligibility.

He entered the 2024 NFL Draft but went undrafted. That did not end his professional ambitions.

On April 29, 2024, he signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent.

The opportunity allowed him to compete for a place in the team’s quarterback group and continue developing his skills at the professional level.

However, earning a permanent NFL roster position proved challenging.

Hartman spent much of his early professional career on Washington’s practice squad. He also had opportunities to compete during preseason activities and continued working toward a potential regular-season opportunity.

In December 2025, the Commanders elevated him from the practice squad to the active roster. He also served as an emergency third quarterback in certain games.

During the 2026 preseason, he competed for a backup quarterback position. Washington subsequently waived him on August 30 before reports indicated that he returned to the practice squad in early September.

His NFL roster situation is separate from his newly announced television role. As of the latest available announcement, there has been no official confirmation that his casting on The Bachelor means he has permanently retired from professional football.

Importantly, Hartman should not be described as an established NFL starting quarterback. His professional experience has primarily involved practice-squad responsibilities and competition for roster positions.

Why Is Sam Hartman Famous?

Sam Hartman became famous primarily because of his college football achievements, but several factors have contributed to his wider public recognition.

1. His record-breaking college football performances

His passing statistics at Wake Forest and Notre Dame established him as a prominent quarterback. His 134 career touchdown passes remain an important part of his football legacy.

2. His Notre Dame connection

Notre Dame is one of the most recognizable college football programs in the United States. Hartman’s decision to transfer there for the 2023 season introduced him to an even larger national audience.

3. His appearance on QB1: Beyond the Lights

Hartman’s participation in the Netflix documentary series gave viewers an opportunity to see him before his college football career reached its peak.

4. His professional football journey

Signing with the Washington Commanders gave him an opportunity to pursue an NFL career. Although he faced challenges securing a permanent position, his professional journey remained a subject of interest among football followers.

5. His selection as The Bachelor

His latest career development has introduced him to an entirely different audience. ABC’s announcement that he will lead Season 30 of The Bachelor is a major reason his name is attracting attention beyond the sports community.

Sam Hartman Is Named the Next Bachelor for Season 30

The biggest recent development in Hartman’s public life came on November 13, 2026, when ABC announced him as the next lead of The Bachelor.

The announcement was made during an appearance on Good Morning America. Hartman will headline the show’s milestone 30th season, marking a new chapter for the former college football star.

His selection is unusual because he is coming from the world of professional sports rather than the traditional Bachelor casting route involving previous contestants from The Bachelorette.

The announcement has generated interest among both football fans and viewers of reality television. Many people who previously knew him through Wake Forest, Notre Dame, and the Washington Commanders are now interested in learning more about his personal life.

During the announcement, Hartman acknowledged that the experience would be different from anything he had encountered in football. He also expressed excitement and nervousness about meeting potential partners in a televised environment.

He indicated that finding a meaningful, lasting relationship was an important reason for accepting the opportunity.

His selection also gives the franchise an opportunity to introduce a lead with an established background outside reality television.

When Does Sam Hartman’s Bachelor Season Start?

Sam Hartman’s season of The Bachelor is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

The premiere date was announced before Hartman’s identity was revealed. ABC subsequently included the program in its 2027 midseason television schedule.

Here are the important details:

The new season will mark the franchise’s return after an extended break between traditional Bachelor seasons.

Viewers who prefer streaming rather than watching live on television can expect episodes to become available through Hulu following their ABC broadcast.

Additional information about the contestants, filming arrangements, individual episodes, and other season details may be announced closer to the premiere.

What Will Sam Hartman Do on The Bachelor?

As the lead of Season 30, Hartman will participate in the familiar format of The Bachelor.

The series follows one unmarried man as he meets a group of women interested in developing a romantic relationship with him.

Throughout the season, contestants participate in dates, group activities, and individual conversations designed to help them understand one another.

The Bachelor gradually makes decisions about which relationships he wants to continue pursuing. Rose ceremonies are an important part of the process, as contestants who do not receive roses generally leave the competition.

As the season progresses, the lead spends more time getting to know the remaining contestants and determining which relationships have the strongest potential.

For Hartman, the experience will involve navigating personal relationships under the attention of television cameras.

His football background may make the transition particularly interesting because professional sports and reality dating television involve very different types of public pressure.

However, the specific format, contestant lineup, and individual dates for his season have not all been officially disclosed.

Will Sam Hartman find a lasting relationship?

That remains to be seen. Although he has expressed interest in finding a meaningful connection, the final outcome of the season will only become clear as the episodes unfold.

Why Did ABC Choose Sam Hartman as the Next Bachelor?

ABC has confirmed Hartman’s selection, but the network has not publicly provided a detailed explanation of every factor behind its casting decision.

Nevertheless, his background makes him a distinctive choice for the franchise.

Unlike many previous leads, Hartman already has a recognizable public profile outside reality television.

His college football career gave him national exposure, particularly through his time at Notre Dame. His professional football experience also provides a different personal and professional background from the contestants and leads viewers have become accustomed to seeing.

He also brings previous experience with television appearances through QB1: Beyond the Lights.

For the franchise, selecting an athlete rather than relying exclusively on a familiar reality television personality creates an opportunity to reach audiences who may not regularly watch the program.

It also creates curiosity about how someone accustomed to competing in professional sports will approach a dating competition.

However, it would be inaccurate to claim that ABC selected Hartman for any particular reason beyond the official casting announcement without confirmation from the network.

Is Sam Hartman Married or Dating Anyone?

Sam Hartman’s relationship status is another reason people are searching for information about him.

His selection as the next Bachelor naturally raises questions about his romantic history and whether he is currently in a relationship.

The important distinction is that being named the show’s lead does not automatically provide a complete picture of someone’s previous relationships.

Hartman has publicly expressed an interest in finding a lasting relationship through the show. However, detailed, independently confirmed information about his previous romantic relationships is limited.

There is no reason to treat unverified online discussions about his dating history as established facts.

His participation in Season 30 is intended to give viewers an opportunity to follow his search for a potential partner.

Whether he becomes engaged during the season, finds a lasting relationship, or leaves the show single will depend on how his journey develops.

As of the latest announcement, ABC has not confirmed the eventual outcome of his season.

Does Sam Hartman Have Experience on Reality Television?

Yes. Hartman has previous experience appearing on a television program, although his earlier appearance was very different from The Bachelor.

He featured in QB1: Beyond the Lights, a documentary series that followed high school quarterbacks and explored their lives both on and off the football field.

The series offered a look at the pressures young athletes face while balancing academics, personal responsibilities, and expectations surrounding their sporting careers.

Hartman’s appearance came before his college football achievements at Wake Forest and Notre Dame.

However, QB1 was a sports documentary rather than a dating competition.

His role on The Bachelor will therefore represent his first major experience as the central personality in a nationally televised romantic reality series.

This distinction is important because appearing in a documentary about football does not necessarily prepare someone for the personal conversations, relationship decisions, and public attention associated with a dating show.

What Is Sam Hartman’s Connection to Notre Dame?

Hartman’s connection to Notre Dame is one of the most recognizable parts of his sporting background.

He joined the Fighting Irish in 2023 after spending five seasons at Wake Forest.

His arrival attracted considerable attention because he was already an experienced college quarterback with an established record of passing achievements.

Notre Dame benefited from his experience, and Hartman became the team’s starting quarterback.

One of the highlights of his Notre Dame career was his four-touchdown performance against Navy in Dublin, Ireland, during his debut for the Fighting Irish.

He finished the 2023 season with 2,689 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.

Although his Notre Dame career lasted only one season, it helped strengthen his reputation as an accomplished college quarterback.

For Notre Dame supporters, his selection as the next Bachelor may be particularly surprising because they primarily remember him for his performances on the football field.

What Happened to Sam Hartman’s NFL Career?

Hartman’s professional football journey has involved several important developments since 2024.

After going undrafted, he signed with the Washington Commanders and worked to earn a place on the team’s roster.

He spent much of his time developing as a reserve quarterback and competing for opportunities.

His NFL experience included practice-squad assignments and opportunities to participate in team activities.

During the 2025 season, he was part of Washington’s quarterback group and was elevated to the active roster in December.

In 2026, he again faced competition for a roster position. Washington waived him in August before reports indicated that he returned to the practice squad in September.

His situation illustrates the difficulty of establishing a long-term professional football career, even for players with impressive college statistics.

Has Sam Hartman officially retired from football?

There has been no confirmed announcement establishing that his Bachelor casting represents an official retirement from football.

His participation in the reality series is a new professional opportunity, but it should not automatically be interpreted as the end of his athletic career.

Any future change to his football status would need to be confirmed through an official team announcement or a direct statement from Hartman.

Latest Updates on Sam Hartman

Sam Hartman’s public profile is developing in two different areas: professional football and television entertainment.

The most important recent development is his announcement as the lead of The Bachelor Season 30.

The following points summarize the latest developments:

• Bachelor announcement: ABC announced Hartman as the Season 30 lead on November 13, 2026.
• Television appearance: The announcement was made during Good Morning America.
• Premiere date: The new season is scheduled to begin March 21, 2027.
• College football background: He previously played for Wake Forest and Notre Dame.
• College records: He finished his college career with 134 passing touchdowns and 15,656 passing yards.
• NFL background: He signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
• Professional status: His 2026 roster situation changed during the preseason, with reports subsequently indicating a return to Washington’s practice squad.

More information about the show’s contestants, filming, and Hartman’s journey may become available as ABC releases additional announcements.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Sam Hartman? He is a former Wake Forest and Notre Dame quarterback whose achievements in college football established him as a recognizable name in American sports. After pursuing a professional football career with the Washington Commanders, he is now stepping into a completely different spotlight as the lead of The Bachelor Season 30.

His selection brings together two audiences that do not always overlap: college football supporters and reality television viewers.

While his football accomplishments explain his existing public recognition, his upcoming television appearance may introduce him to an entirely new generation of fans.

With the March 2027 premiere approaching, viewers will have an opportunity to learn more about his personality, romantic expectations, and search for a meaningful relationship.

For now, his journey from college football standout to the next Bachelor is one of the most interesting developments in his public career.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Sam Hartman?

Sam Hartman is an American football quarterback who played college football at Wake Forest and Notre Dame. He later signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted NFL free agent. ABC announced him as the lead of The Bachelor Season 30 in November 2026.

2. How old is Sam Hartman?

Sam Hartman is 27 years old as of November 2026. He was born on July 29, 1999.

3. Is Sam Hartman the next Bachelor?

Yes. ABC officially announced Sam Hartman as the lead of The Bachelor Season 30 on November 13, 2026.

4. When does Sam Hartman’s Bachelor season premiere?

Season 30 of The Bachelor is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

5. Where can viewers watch Sam Hartman on The Bachelor?

Viewers can watch the new season on ABC. Episodes are also expected to become available on Hulu the following day.

Follow Sam Hartman’s journey on and off the football field, and share your thoughts about his selection as the next Bachelor in the comments below. Stay updated for the latest developments as Season 30 approaches.