Sam Hartman has become one of the most talked-about personalities in American sports and entertainment. Known for his impressive college football career, recognizable appearance, and determination to succeed, Hartman has built a public profile that extends beyond the football field. After playing for Wake Forest and Notre Dame, he pursued his professional football ambitions with the Washington Commanders. However, his latest career development has brought him into an entirely different spotlight. In November 2026, Hartman was announced as the leading man for the 30th season of ABC’s popular reality dating show, The Bachelor. His unexpected transition from professional football to reality television has sparked considerable public interest.
Who Is Sam Hartman?
Sam Hartman is an American football quarterback who gained national attention through his performances in college football. Born on July 29, 1999, in Charlotte, North Carolina, he developed an interest in the sport at an early age.
His full name is Samuel Hartman, and he became recognized for his leadership, competitive attitude, and ability to make important plays under pressure. Throughout his college career, he demonstrated considerable consistency as a quarterback and established himself as one of the most productive passers in Atlantic Coast Conference history.
Hartman is particularly remembered for his time at Wake Forest, where he spent five seasons developing his skills and breaking several school records. His football journey eventually led him to Notre Dame, one of the most recognized programs in American college athletics.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hartman spent much of his younger life developing his athletic abilities. Football became an important part of his identity, and his performances during his school years helped him attract attention from college recruiters.
He attended Davidson Day School before transferring to Oceanside Collegiate Academy in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, for his senior year.
During his high school career, Hartman showed considerable potential as a quarterback. His passing ability, decision-making, and confidence helped him become a promising recruit in the 2018 class.
His performances earned him opportunities to continue playing football at the college level. Eventually, he committed to Wake Forest University, beginning a college career that would significantly influence his future.
College Football Career at Wake Forest
Hartman joined the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in 2018. Although adjusting to college football required patience and hard work, he gradually became an important part of the team’s offense.
During his five seasons with Wake Forest, he developed into an experienced quarterback capable of handling challenging situations. His ability to read defenses, deliver accurate passes, and lead offensive drives made him an influential player.
The 2021 season was particularly important for his development. Hartman recorded 4,228 passing yards and 39 passing touchdowns, helping Wake Forest enjoy one of its strongest offensive seasons.
He continued performing at a high level in 2022, recording 3,701 passing yards and 38 touchdowns.
By the end of his Wake Forest career, he had established school records for career completions, passing attempts, total touchdowns, and total offensive yards. His accomplishments also placed him among the most productive quarterbacks in ACC history.
Moving to Notre Dame
In January 2023, Hartman announced his decision to transfer to the University of Notre Dame.
The move represented an important new chapter. Notre Dame offered him an opportunity to compete at another nationally recognized football program while bringing his experience to a different offensive system.
His debut against Navy in Dublin, Ireland, immediately attracted attention. Hartman completed 19 of 23 passes for 251 yards and four touchdowns, matching a Notre Dame record for touchdown passes in a player’s first game.
Throughout the 2023 season, he remained an important part of the Fighting Irish offense. He finished the campaign with 2,689 passing yards and 24 touchdown passes.
He also served as a team captain, demonstrating the leadership qualities that had become a defining part of his college career.
Notre Dame finished the regular season with a strong record, and Hartman received the team’s most valuable player recognition. His performances further strengthened his reputation as an experienced college quarterback.
Professional Football Career
After completing his college career, Hartman entered the 2024 NFL Draft. Although he was not selected, his professional football ambitions remained strong.
The Washington Commanders signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2024.
Joining an NFL organization was a major milestone, but earning a permanent position in professional football required another level of competition. Hartman spent his rookie season on the Commanders’ practice squad, continuing to develop and learn within the professional environment.
He remained associated with Washington during the following seasons, although he had not appeared in a regular-season NFL game as of November 2026.
His professional journey illustrates how challenging the transition from successful college football to the NFL can be. Even players with impressive college statistics must compete for limited opportunities.
Sam Hartman Joins The Bachelor Season 30
One of the biggest developments in Hartman’s public life arrived in November 2026 when ABC announced him as the star of The Bachelor Season 30.
The announcement surprised many football followers because Hartman had primarily been known as an athlete rather than a reality television personality.
His selection represents an interesting change in direction. Instead of competing against opposing defenses, he will enter a completely different environment where personal connections and relationships take center stage.
The announcement was made on Good Morning America. During the appearance, Hartman openly discussed his excitement and nervousness about meeting 30 women.
He even joked that having a conversation with 30 women might be difficult when talking to just one woman can already be challenging.
His relaxed personality and sense of humor helped make the announcement particularly memorable.
The 30th season is scheduled to premiere on March 21, 2027. The season is expected to introduce viewers to a different side of Hartman, allowing audiences to learn more about his personality, relationship expectations, and life outside football.
Why Was Sam Hartman Chosen for The Bachelor?
Hartman’s selection is interesting because he comes from a professional sports background rather than traditional reality television.
His college football achievements have already given him public recognition, while his experience in competitive team environments provides an interesting foundation for his new television role.
Another factor is his personality. In public appearances, Hartman has demonstrated confidence, humor, and an ability to communicate comfortably with audiences.
The show’s format will challenge him in ways that football never could. Building relationships with multiple people requires emotional awareness, honesty, patience, and communication.
For viewers, this creates an opportunity to see how an athlete accustomed to competition approaches the personal side of life.
Personal Life and Relationships
Public curiosity about Hartman’s personal life has increased following his casting announcement.
However, he has generally maintained a relatively private approach to relationships. His public profile has largely focused on football, education, and professional development.
His participation in The Bachelor will naturally bring greater attention to his romantic life. The show’s central purpose is to help its leading man explore potential relationships and ultimately choose someone with whom he hopes to build a future.
Rather than making assumptions about his previous relationships, viewers will have an opportunity to understand his romantic preferences through the upcoming season.
Sam Hartman’s Achievements and Legacy
Hartman’s college statistics remain among the strongest parts of his sporting résumé.
Across 60 college games at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, he completed 1,135 of 1,898 passing attempts, recording 15,656 passing yards and 134 passing touchdowns.
His 134 touchdown passes established an ACC record, placing him among the most productive passers in the conference’s history.
He also received the ACC’s Brian Piccolo Award in 2022, recognizing his courage and perseverance.
These achievements demonstrate that his reputation is based on more than public attention. He developed a substantial football résumé through years of preparation and competition.
His move into television adds another dimension to his public identity without changing the accomplishments that established his name in college football.
What Makes His Story Interesting?
Hartman’s story stands out because it combines two very different worlds.
Professional football requires discipline, physical preparation, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. Reality dating television focuses on communication, emotional connections, and personal compatibility.
Moving between these environments will introduce him to a different kind of challenge.
His journey also demonstrates that a public career does not always follow a predictable direction. An athlete can develop interests and opportunities outside the sport that originally brought him recognition.
For Hartman, The Bachelor represents an opportunity to connect with a much broader audience.
Conclusion
Sam Hartman has experienced a remarkable journey from a promising high school quarterback to a record-setting college football player and professional athlete. His years at Wake Forest and Notre Dame established his reputation as a talented passer, while his association with the Washington Commanders introduced him to the challenges of professional football.
Now, his announcement as the leading man of The Bachelor Season 30 marks an unexpected new chapter. Scheduled to premiere in March 2027, the season will give audiences a closer look at his personality and romantic life.
Whether viewers know him through football or television, Hartman’s evolving career makes him an interesting personality to follow. His next challenge is no longer about completing passes or leading an offense. It is about discovering whether he can find a lasting personal connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sam Hartman?
Sam Hartman is an American football quarterback who played college football for Wake Forest and Notre Dame before joining the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
How old is Sam Hartman?
Hartman was born on July 29, 1999. He is 27 years old as of November 2026.
Is Sam Hartman playing in the NFL?
Hartman has been associated with the Washington Commanders, primarily through their practice squad. As of November 2026, he has not appeared in a regular-season NFL game.
Is Sam Hartman the next Bachelor?
Yes. ABC announced Hartman as the leading man for Season 30 of The Bachelor in November 2026.
When will Sam Hartman’s Bachelor season premiere?
The 30th season of The Bachelor, featuring Hartman, is scheduled to premiere on March 21, 2027.
Which college did Sam Hartman attend?
He played five seasons at Wake Forest University from 2018 through 2022 before transferring to the University of Notre Dame for the 2023 season.
What are Sam Hartman’s biggest football achievements?
His major achievements include setting the ACC career record with 134 passing touchdowns, establishing multiple Wake Forest school records, serving as a Notre Dame team captain, and receiving the 2022 Brian Piccolo Award.
