Sam Hartman: 6 Potential Transfer Destinations for the Former Wake Forest QB
Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman entered college football's transfer portal on Tuesday. Hartman's decision to transfer with a year of eligibility isn't a major surprise, but he's now one of the top quarterbacks available in the portal and should attract interest from big-time programs, including Notre Dame.
Hartman capped a prolific career at Wake Forest by guiding the team to a 27-17 victory over Missouri in the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec. 23. The North Carolina native set an ACC record with 110 touchdown passes from 2018-22 and also threw for 12,967 yards in that span. Hartman completed 59.1 percent of his passes and tossed 41 picks over 1,597 career attempts. Additionally, he ran for 856 yards and 17 scores in 48 games with the Demon Deacons
Where could Hartman land as a transfer? Here are six teams to watch:
Sam Hartman: 6 Potential Transfer Destinations for the Former Wake Forest QB
Notre Dame (The Expected Landing Spot)
The Fighting Irish are considered the early favorite to land Hartman. Tyler Buchner was the team's starter for the first two games of 2022 before an injury sidelined him for the next 10 contests. Drew Pyne started while Buchner was out but transferred to Arizona State prior to the bowl. Acquiring depth at quarterback is a must for Notre Dame this offseason, but Hartman is an immediate upgrade over Buchner and would boost the team's chances of a run at the CFB Playoff in '23.
What if Hartman doesn't transfer to Notre Dame? Here are a few other teams to watch:
Alabama
The Crimson Tide have two talented options in Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe battling to replace Bryce Young (expected to enter NFL Draft) this offseason. Also, coach Nick Saban landed two four-star prospects in the '23 signing class, so depth and options are not a concern. While it's a longshot to project Alabama with a transfer quarterback considering the depth chart in Tuscaloosa, a proven arm like Hartman will be connected to any open jobs.
Auburn
It's no secret Auburn needs to upgrade its quarterback room this offseason, and the program has been connected to Coastal Carolina's Grayson McCall and Oklahoma State's Spencer Sanders as potential additions for new coach Hugh Freeze.
Florida
Although the Gators landed Graham Mertz from Wisconsin, that news shouldn't stop coach Billy Napier from pursuing Hartman. The Wake Forest transfer would be a massive upgrade from Mertz.
Georgia
Talent isn't an issue for Georgia's quarterback room in 2023. Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton are all set to return next fall to compete in the battle to replace Stetson Bennett. Although talent isn't a concern, none of the signal-callers have attempted more than 40 passes in a season. Although it's a longshot, pursuing a quarterback that ranks among the top 15-20 nationally is something Georgia could consider.
Tennessee
The Volunteers already return Joe Milton and bring in five-star freshman Nico Iamaleava, but coach Josh Heupel shouldn't pass on an opportunity to land Hartman.
