Greg McElroy addresses Sam Hartman's chances at winning Heisman Trophy

Sam Hartman is looking to get the most out of his transfer season in 2023. Now at Notre Dame, his expectations are through the roof — high enough to start a Heisman Trophy campaign, according to college football analyst Greg McElroy.

“He’s in a good spot to win it. You have to be at a premier program, and let’s be real, it’s really hard to win the Heisman Trophy at a program that isn’t on national television on a weekly basis,” McElroy said. “That’s check number one. Notre Dame is going to be heavily televised throughout the course of the season.

“No. 2, it means that he’s had some massive Heisman moments. The Heisman has kind of shifted away from numbers and it has now shifted in the direction of moments and games that are memorable.”

Hartman finished his tenure with Wake Forest as a 12,000-yard passer through five years with the Demon Deacons. In 2022, he finished first in the ACC in passing touchdowns and second in yards, despite throwing for 800 less than he did the year before. 

In 2021, Hartman went on to surpass 4,000 passing yards, which ranked him in the top 10 in the country in that category. Needless to say, acquiring Hartman through the portal is the crowning jewel for Marcus Freeman’s transfer class — they’re gaining a sixth-year senior who has proved himself as consistently one of the top passers in the power five over the last few seasons.

Leaving Wake Forest in favor of the sexier brand name of Notre Dame, Hartman has been prophetized as being the key to unlocking a run at this season’s College Football Playoff. After all, he’s the No. 2 overall player (No. 1 QB) to have entered the transfer portal this cycle for a reason. He had his pick of the litter regarding college choices but chose to come to South Bend — meaning that’s the best place, in his eyes, to get the most out of his final season at the collegiate level.

“I don’t envision a scenario where Sam Hartman wins the Heisman Trophy and Notre Dame is not one of the four best teams in America,” McElroy said. “If you look at the rest of the roster, you’re talking about the most outstanding player in the playing quarterback for you, you’re probably sitting at 11-1 or 12-0. Which, for Notre Dame, I think their fans will glady welcome.”