How a record-breaking ACC quarterback transitioned from college stardom to the NFL
In short: Sam Hartman has become one of the most prolific passers in Atlantic Coast Conference history. From setting school records at Wake Forest to playing in Dublin, Ireland, his journey through college football and the professional ranks highlights the intense resilience required to navigate the path to the NFL.
Sam Hartman's collegiate career is defined by unprecedented statistical milestones. During his tenure with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, he established himself as the all-time leader in passing touchdowns in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) history. His prolific output included a standout 2021 season where he threw for 4,228 yards and 39 touchdowns, leading the team to an 8–0 start and an appearance in the ACC Championship game. He was the first freshman in school history to start a season opener as a quarterback. During his time with the Demon Deacons, he also set several individual school records.
His durability and skill were tested by both competition and health challenges. Despite undergoing surgery for Paget–Schroetter disease early in the 2022 season, Hartman managed to miss only one game, eventually earning the Brian Piccolo Award for the ACC's 'most courageous' player. By the end of his time at Wake Forest, he held school records for career passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns, and ranked in the top 20 in FBS history for total passing yards. He was a three-star recruit who was previously rated as the number twelve pro-style passer in the class of 2018. His performance earned him second-team All-ACC honours during the 2022 season.
After transferring to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2023, Hartman made an immediate impact, tying a program record for touchdown passes in a debut against Navy in Dublin. His professional journey began as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders in April 2024. Since then, he has navigated the complexities of NFL rosters, moving between active rosters and practice squads, and eventually appearing on the negotiation list for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League in August 2026. He originally signed with the Washington Commanders after going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. His career has seen him move between active rosters and practice squads for the Commanders.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Sam Hartman
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