Updated

Sam Hartman, a 27-year-old Washington Commanders quarterback, was named the lead of The Bachelor's 30th season, set to air in 2027. Us Weekly reported that Hartman said he was initially apprehensive until speaking with host Jesse Palmer, a former Bachelor lead who also played in the NFL. Hartman, a North Carolina native who played college football at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, went undrafted and signed with the Commanders in 2024. Just Jared reported that Hartman had confirmed in a 2024 podcast appearance that he dated a Wake Forest soccer player, and that the couple reportedly split in 2025. Hartman joked on Good Morning America that finding love with 30 people would be tough, and said that when couples say "I do," they ask only whether you want to do it forever. Season 30 is slated to premiere on ABC on March 21 and stream on Hulu the following day. Us Weekly also noted several other NFL players who have led the show, including Jesse Palmer, Colton Underwood, Clayton Echard and Mel Owens.