Former Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman is preparing to trade the football field for reality television as the next lead of ABC’s *The Bachelor*. His casting has drawn attention not only from football fans but also from his former girlfriend, Becca Hunt, who shared a pointed reaction online shortly after the announcement.
On November 13, Hunt posted a photo of herself with Hartman on TikTok, along with the caption: “The most toxic relationship of my life is now the bachelor, LOL.”
Hunt, an interior designer from Naples, previously dated Hartman. The length and timing of their relationship have not been made public. Her post quickly gained attention, prompting her to clarify what she meant and to caution viewers against interpreting the comment as placing all the blame on him.
“Look, y’all, I am not going to say anything more about this,” Hunt wrote. “Also, saying it was the most toxic relationship of my life is not putting all the blame on him. I just thought it was ironic that he’s now on a dating show. Hope this helps!”
When a fan commented that she had been quick to post about Hartman’s casting, Hunt replied, “I mean, I was shocked.”
Other commenters joined the conversation. One wrote, “Every woman who went to an ACC school knows about this man.” Hunt’s post and the responses fueled online discussion about Hartman’s transition from college and professional football to a televised dating competition.
## Hunt says she was interviewed for the show
Hunt later revealed that her connection to the upcoming season went beyond her past relationship with Hartman. She said she had been interviewed as a potential contestant for the show.
“What’s funny is I was interviewed to be on this season,” she commented on her own TikTok after a fan remarked, “Not them trying to get you to be a contestant too.”
To support her account, Hunt shared screenshots of casting communications and details about her interview. The post raised the possibility that she could have appeared on the same season as her former boyfriend, although it is not clear whether she was ultimately considered for the cast or how far she progressed in the process.
Hartman has not publicly responded to Hunt’s comments. He has, however, spoken about his feelings ahead of the show, describing himself as excited and nervous.
“I’m excited but also very nervous,” Hartman said in an interview. “I have a tough time holding a conversation with one girl—30 is going to be pretty tough.”
## Hartman’s football career
Hartman joined the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024. The team later removed him from its main roster, then brought him back the following day to the practice squad. He has not played in an official NFL regular-season game.
Before entering the professional ranks, Hartman played college football at Wake Forest and later transferred to Notre Dame. His final season with the Fighting Irish was a notable one: he started 12 games, passed for 2,689 yards and 24 touchdowns, and threw eight interceptions. Notre Dame finished the regular season with a 9–3 record, and Hartman received the team’s MVP honors.
His experience making decisions and connecting with teammates on the field may be quite different from navigating a dating show with 30 contestants. Hartman has said that he values ambition and competitiveness in a partner, emphasizing that he wants someone with personal drive.
“I think competitiveness […], and we’re not talking about the starting tight end or a receiver,” he said when asked what he is looking for.
He explained that the quality he has in mind is not about playing hard to get. Instead, he hopes to meet someone whose goals and motivation inspire him.
“I think competitiveness is 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.”
Season 30 of *The Bachelor*, starring Hartman, is scheduled to premiere on ABC on Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
