ABC has officially named Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman as the new lead of The Bachelor Season 30. The announcement was made on November 13 during Good Morning America, introducing the 27-year-old NFL player as the next man searching for love on the popular reality dating series. His season is scheduled to premiere on March 21, 2027.
Hartman’s selection marks a notable change for the franchise, which has frequently chosen former contestants from The Bachelorette as its leading men. Instead, producers have selected an active professional football player who has never appeared as a contestant on the show. The announcement has attracted attention from football fans and Bachelor Nation alike.
Who Is Sam Hartman, the New Bachelor?
Sam Hartman is a 27-year-old American football quarterback from Charlotte, North Carolina. He currently plays for the Washington Commanders, where he has spent much of his professional career on the team’s practice squad.
Before entering the NFL, Hartman established himself as one of college football’s most productive quarterbacks. He attended Wake Forest University before transferring to the University of Notre Dame for his final collegiate season in 2023.
During his college career, Hartman recorded 15,656 passing yards and 134 touchdown passes. He also established Atlantic Coast Conference records, including the most career touchdown passes and 300-yard passing games.
Hartman previously appeared in the documentary series QB1: Beyond the Lights, which followed promising high school quarterbacks preparing for college football.
Why Was Sam Hartman Chosen as the New Bachelor?
Hartman’s selection brings another professional football connection to the dating franchise. Former NFL quarterback Jesse Palmer starred in Season 5 of The Bachelor in 2004 and now hosts the series.
During his appearance on Good Morning America, Hartman admitted that he initially hesitated when approached about joining the show.
“At first I was like, ‘No way,'” Hartman explained. However, a conversation with Palmer helped him better understand the experience and reconsider the opportunity.
Hartman also acknowledged feeling nervous about dating approximately 30 women simultaneously. He joked that maintaining a conversation with one woman could already be challenging.
His Washington teammates have offered advice about the experience, although Hartman suggested he might not follow all their recommendations.
Is Sam Hartman Married or Does He Have a Girlfriend?
Sam Hartman is not married and does not have a publicly confirmed wife. His selection as the next Bachelor places his romantic life at the center of the upcoming season.
Hartman has previously kept his relationships relatively private. He has been linked to former Wake Forest soccer player Tyla Ochoa, although details about their relationship and reported separation have not been extensively confirmed publicly.
During his television announcement, Hartman described the qualities he hopes to find in a future partner.
He emphasized competitiveness, ambition and compassion, explaining that he wants someone with personal goals and the motivation to pursue them. He also mentioned that his family’s background in healthcare has influenced the importance he places on caring for others.
What Is Sam Hartman’s NFL Career Background?
Hartman joined the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in April 2024 after completing his college football career.
Although he has participated in preseason games and team activities, he has not yet appeared in an NFL regular-season game. His professional experience has primarily involved developing within Washington’s quarterback group.
His transition into reality television will take place during the NFL offseason, allowing him to pursue the television opportunity without an immediate conflict with the regular football schedule.
Hartman is not the first football player to lead The Bachelor. Jesse Palmer, Colton Underwood and Clayton Echard also had connections to professional football before becoming leading men on the series.
When Does The Bachelor Season 30 Premiere?
The Bachelor Season 30 will premiere on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. Episodes will also be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
The upcoming season represents a significant return for the franchise following an extended break in its regular programming. ABC’s decision to cast Hartman introduces a new leading man with an established sports career rather than a previous connection to the show’s dating competition.
For viewers wondering who the new Bachelor is, Sam Hartman is the confirmed star of Season 30. His upcoming television appearance will follow the NFL quarterback as he meets potential partners and searches for a lasting relationship.