Everything to Know About Sam Hartman, Leading Man of “The Bachelor” Season 30
Sam Hartman at the 2026 US OpenCredit: David Dow/USTA via Getty
Sam Hartman is the star of The Bachelor season 30
He is an NFL quarterback for the Washington Commanders
Season 30 of The Bachelor premieres in March 2027
Sam Hartman is trading his football jersey for a suit as the leading man of The Bachelor season 30.
The Washington Commanders backup quarterback was announced as the next star of the ABC reality dating franchise during a Nov. 13 appearance on Good Morning America, just hours after the Commanders’ victory over the New York Giants.
Hartman’s season, which premieres in March 2027, will mark The Bachelor’s return after a nearly two-year hiatus. The NFL player admitted he was initially hesitant to take on the role, but a conversation with host Jesse Palmer helped ease some of his concerns. Still, Hartman confessed that he’s “very nervous” about stepping into the spotlight as the show’s leading man.
“I have a tough time holding a conversation with one girl; 30 is gonna be pretty tough,” he said on Good Morning America.
Here’s everything to know about Sam Hartman, leading man of The Bachelor season 30.
He’s from North Carolina
Sam HartmanCredit: ABC
Hartman was born in Charlotte, N.C., on July 29, 1999, to Mark and Lisa Hartman. He developed a passion for football at a young age and moved to South Carolina for his senior year of high school to play at Oceanside Collegiate Academy.
During that time, Hartman got his first taste of reality television when he appeared on season 2 of QB1: Beyond the Lights, a documentary series that followed promising high school quarterbacks as they worked toward their dreams of playing college football.
Hartman went on to attend Wake Forest University, where he made history in 2018 as the first true freshman quarterback in school history to win a season opener. He spent five seasons with the Demon Deacons, including an impressive 2021 campaign in which he threw for 4,228 yards and 39 touchdowns.
His college career wasn’t without challenges. In 2022, Hartman was diagnosed with Paget-Schroetter syndrome, a condition that causes blood clots, and underwent surgery. He returned to the field that September and later received the ACC’s Brian Piccolo Award, which recognizes courage in overcoming adversity.
For his final season of college football, Hartman transferred to the University of Notre Dame.
By the time he wrapped up his college career, Hartman had set Atlantic Coast Conference records for the most career touchdown passes and 300-yard passing games.
Hartman plays in the NFL for the Washington Commanders
Sam Hartman in 2025Credit: Perry Knotts/Getty
Hartman entered the 2024 NFL Draft but went unselected. However, his NFL dreams weren’t over.
The quarterback ultimately signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent, joining fellow rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, whom the team had selected with the No. 2 overall pick.
According to NBC Sports, Hartman’s deal included a $20,000 signing bonus and $225,000 in guaranteed base salary.
Although Hartman has yet to make his regular-season NFL debut, he remains part of the Commanders organization.
In August 2026, NBC Sports reported that Hartman was released during the Commanders’ final roster cuts, but re-signed to the practice squad the following day, per the team’s website.
His parents are medical professionals
Hartman’s father, Mark, is an orthopedic spine surgeon at The Southeastern Spine Institute in Mount Pleasant, S.C., while his mother, Lisa, is a retired labor and delivery nurse.
When asked how his parents reacted to his decision to become the next Bachelor, Hartman shared that they’ve been nothing but supportive.
“They’re excited. My mom and I have a really cool relationship, and my pops is supportive,” he said on Good Morning America. “Their big thing is just be myself and enjoy the experience and trust your instincts, trust your gut.”
He has an older brother
Joe Hartman, Lisa Hartman and Sam Hartman in 2019Credit: Sam Hartman/Instagram
The NFL player has an older brother, Joe, who is following in their father’s footsteps by pursuing a career as an orthopedic surgeon. After attending the University of Florida College of Medicine, Joe began his residency at Vanderbilt University, per the school’s website.
Growing up, Hartman also developed a brotherly bond with Demitri Allison, whom his family welcomed into their home when Allison was 15 years old. Allison went on to play football at Elon University before he died by suicide in 2015, a loss that deeply affected Hartman.
In 2019, Hartman paid tribute to Allison on Instagram, reflecting on the impact he had on his family.
“Four years ago today, my family and the world lost an incredible human named Demitri Allison. His smile could fill the darkest room with light,” he wrote. “He never complained. His unwavering ability to persistently strive for change rubbed off on my family and changed our lives forever. Continue watching over me big bro; I miss you every day. I hope I am making you proud.”
He’s looking for a partner who is competitive and compassionate
Hartman is heading into season 30 of The Bachelor with a clear idea of what he’s looking for in a partner.
“I think competitiveness [...] and we’re not talking about the starting tight end or a receiver,” he revealed on Good Morning America. “I think competitiveness in somebody that I want to be able to chase. Not chase in a way that you haven’t texted me back in a week, but chase in a way that they have a drive for something, and that motivates me to wake up every day and chase them.”
Hartman also emphasized the importance of finding someone kind, explaining that because his family members work in the medical field, he values “compassion and some type of caregiving” in a potential partner.
Source: Entertainment
