Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman has been named the lead of Season 30 of ABC’s The Bachelor, the network announced Friday. The season premiere is scheduled for March 21, with episodes available to stream on Hulu the following day.
Hartman, 27, currently plays on the Commanders’ practice squad and has not appeared in a regular-season NFL game. He confirmed the news in an interview with Good Morning America, where he described the opportunity as both exciting and intimidating, noting, “I have a tough time holding a conversation with one girl. Thirty is going to be pretty tough.”
The Commanders’ official social media accounts also shared the announcement, posting a photo of Hartman with the caption: “The next Bachelor.”
Hartman’s football background
Hartman spent five seasons at Wake Forest, where he set multiple school records, including the Atlantic Coast Conference record for most touchdown passes (110) and 12,967 passing yards. He transferred to Notre Dame for his final college season, completing 191 of 301 passes for 2,689 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, leading the team to a 9-3 record. He signed with the Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has since alternated between the practice squad and active roster.
Why Hartman almost declined the role
In the Good Morning America interview, Hartman revealed his initial reaction was to turn down the offer, stating, “My first reaction was ‘no way.’” He credited Jesse Palmer, host of The Bachelor and a former NFL quarterback, with changing his mind. Hartman said Palmer provided clarity on what the experience entails, adding, “He kind of gave me the insight of what it is, what it’s not.”
Palmer himself starred on Season 5 of The Bachelor* while still an active player, continuing a trend of NFL athletes transitioning to the franchise. Other former players who have led the show include Colton Underwood, Clayton Echard, and Mel Owens.
Reaction from teammates and the NFL community
Hartman’s teammates reacted to the news during a flight following the Commanders’ 24-21 win over the New York Giants on Thursday. According to reporting from the team’s senior writer, Hartman received advice from teammates about navigating the dating show’s challenges.
The Bachelor franchise has faced scrutiny in recent years, including the cancellation of Season 26 of The Bachelorette in 2025 amid domestic abuse allegations against the lead, Taylor Frankie Paul. The network has since taken a different approach by casting non-contestants from other reality shows or athletes, including Hartman.
What to expect from Season 30
The 30th season of The Bachelor will mark the franchise’s return after a two-year hiatus, with Hartman at the center of the romantic competition. Promotional materials describe him as “a 6-foot-1, frequently fan-voted Adonis” with “flowing hair, a perfectly trimmed beard, and an athletic physique.”
Fans can watch the premiere on ABC on March 21, with subsequent episodes available on Hulu the next day.