ABC names former Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman as Season 30 Bachelor
The 27-year-old Wake Forest and Notre Dame alumnus will host the dating show when it returns in March 2027.
By Yara Nasser ·
Sam Hartman, a 27-year-old former Washington Commanders quarterback, will host the 30th season of ABC's The Bachelor. The network announced the casting on Thursday, confirming that the Charlotte, North Carolina, native will lead the franchise when it premieres on March 21, 2027. This selection places another professional footballer at the center of a series known for dramatic eliminations and televised courtship.
Hartman built his reputation in college football before entering the league. He played for Wake Forest from 2018 through 2022, where he set Atlantic Coast Conference records for career touchdown passes and 300-yard passing games. Following his departure from Wake Forest, he transferred to Notre Dame for the 2023 season. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, he joined the Washington Commanders organization.
According to The Associated Press, Hartman did not immediately accept the role. He initially declined the offer before reconsidering after a conversation with Jesse Palmer, the show's host and a former NFL quarterback. Hartman stated he hopes to find a partner who shares his ambition and competitive outlook. His professional background in the NFL provides a direct connection to the sports world for the upcoming season.
The franchise, which debuted in 2002, will continue its familiar format. Hartman will meet potential partners through a series of dates. Rose ceremonies will determine which contestants remain in the competition for his affection. ABC has not yet released the complete lineup of contestants for the new season.
The broadcast schedule is part of ABC's official announcement for the milestone season. The show returns after an extended break, marking another chapter in a long-running reality series. The network confirmed the premiere date in the same communication that revealed the new star.
Hartman's transition from professional football to reality television marks a shift in career direction. He will trade NFL playbooks for rose ceremonies as he seeks a lasting relationship on national television. The season represents a new entry point for the franchise, bringing a recognizable athletic figure to the forefront of the show.
