Image Source: ABC7 Los Angeles
Sam Hartman is stepping into a very different kind of spotlight. The 27-year-old Washington Commanders practice squad quarterback has been announced as the next star of ABC’s The Bachelor, which is set to return for its milestone 30th season in March 2027.
Hartman shared the news Friday during his first interview about the reality dating series on Good Morning America. While he said he was excited about the opportunity, the professional football player also admitted that the experience has made him nervous.
“I’m excited but also very nervous,” Hartman said. He later joked about the challenge of meeting dozens of potential partners, saying, “I have a tough time holding conversation with one girl. 30 is going to be pretty tough.”
Sam Hartman Takes on a Surprising New Challenge
The announcement marks a major shift for Hartman, whose public career has largely centered on football. As the new Bachelor, he will trade playbooks and practice drills for romantic dates, rose ceremonies and the pressure of finding a lasting relationship in front of millions of viewers.
ABC has not yet announced the full cast of women competing on the upcoming season or revealed details about the filming schedule. However, Hartman’s background as an NFL quarterback gives Season 30 a distinctive sports-and-romance angle.
- Age: 27
- Current team: Washington Commanders
- Position: Quarterback
- College teams: Wake Forest and Notre Dame
- Premiere date: March 21, 2027
From Wake Forest Standout to Washington Quarterback
Before entering the NFL, Hartman built an impressive college football résumé. The North Carolina native played five seasons at Wake Forest University, where he set multiple school records and became one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Atlantic Coast Conference history.
Hartman completed his college career with 134 touchdown passes, an ACC record. He transferred to the University of Notre Dame for his final season in 2023, adding another chapter to a career that made him one of the conference’s most recognizable players.
Following the end of his college career, Hartman signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Although his football journey has not followed the traditional path of a highly drafted quarterback, he has continued pursuing his NFL ambitions while now taking on an entirely different challenge in entertainment.
A Story of Resilience Beyond Football
Hartman’s athletic career also includes a serious health challenge. In 2022, while playing for Wake Forest, he was diagnosed with Paget-Schroetter syndrome, a rare condition involving blood clots in a vein near the collarbone, according to the National Library of Medicine.
He returned to the field that same season and received the ACC’s Brian Piccolo Award. The honor recognizes the conference’s most courageous football player and highlighted Hartman’s determination during a difficult period.
That history of resilience may give viewers another reason to connect with him when his Bachelor journey begins. Beyond the competition and televised dates, Hartman will be introducing audiences to a personal side that fans have rarely seen on the football field.
When Does The Bachelor Season 30 Premiere?
The Bachelor Season 30 is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. New episodes are expected to stream on Hulu the following day.
The upcoming season will be produced under the wider Disney entertainment portfolio. The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, Disney+ and Hulu.
For Hartman, the season will be an opportunity to pursue romance while navigating the intense attention that comes with being both a professional athlete and a reality television lead. Whether he finds a lasting relationship remains unknown, but his casting has already created one of the franchise’s most unexpected storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sam Hartman?
Sam Hartman is a 27-year-old quarterback for the Washington Commanders practice squad. He previously played college football at Wake Forest and Notre Dame.
Is Sam Hartman the next Bachelor?
Yes. ABC announced Hartman as the star of The Bachelor Season 30.
When does The Bachelor Season 30 premiere?
The season is scheduled to premiere Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC.
What football records does Sam Hartman hold?
Hartman finished his college career with 134 touchdown passes, an ACC record. He also set several records at Wake Forest.
Where can viewers stream the new season?
Episodes are scheduled to stream on Hulu the day after their ABC broadcast.
