Sam Hartman’s collegiate career is over.
The former Wake Forest quarterback who transferred to Notre Dame (9-3 straight up, 9-3 against the spread) for his super senior campaign announced earlier today that he’s opting out of the Fighting Irish’s bowl game.
Marcus Freeman’s team will take on Oregon State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl in El Paso, TX., on Dec. 29.
Hartman announced his decision in a post to his Instagram account.
“To college football: You’ve been my world for as long as I can remember — dreaming as a kid of the big games, taking the field with thousands of fans screaming my name,” Hartman said in his post. “Although some games didn’t go my way and some moments left unsettled, I cherish you and the memories you allowed me to create through hardship and defeat, mentors and lessons, and unselfish teammates that helped guide me along the way.
“Although my journey of football is not yet finished, a part of me will always be with you. Thank you for allowing me to stick around and I hope you had as much fun as I did.”
Notre Dame backup QB Steve Angeli will get the first start of his career against the Beavers. Angeli has played in six games this year, completing 19-of-25 passes (76.0%) for 272 yards and four TDs compared to one interception.
Hartman completed 191-of-301 throws (63.5%) for 2,689 yards with a 24/8 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He also had 123 rushing yards and three TDs.
Hartman helped Wake Forest go to five consecutive bowl games from 2018-22. He led the Demon Deacons to an 11-3 record and a 38-10 win over Rutgers at the Gator Bowl in 2021.
Hartman is No. 1 in Wake Forest history in career passing yards (12,967). His 15,656 career passing yards are the fifth-most in NCAA history, and his 12,967 passing yards at Wake Forest are the second-most in ACC history.
In 60 career games, Hartman has a 59.8 completion percentage with a 134/49 TD-INT ratio. He also has 978 career rushing yards and 20 TDs.
Hartman also had a fumble recovery for a TD and his 155 career TDs from scrimmage is the second-most in NCAA history. His 110 TD passes at Wake Forest are the most in ACC history.
As of Monday night, most books had Notre Dame installed as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 43. Oregon St. was +200 on the money line.
Most spots had the Fighting Irish at -8 or -8.5 this morning with a total of 44.
Oregon St. won’t have its head coach, Jonathan Smith, who left Corvallis to take the Michigan St. job. The Beavers will also be without key players like RB Damien Martinez (suspension) and QB D.J. Uiagalelei (transfer portal).