Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Sam Hartman. Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Is all the hoopla over Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman warranted?

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/26/23

Sam Hartman had a debut to remember for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Saturday in Dublin, Ireland, and fanfare, warranted or not, has surrounded the quarterback.

While announcers and the like sang Hartman's praises, many failed to mention that he's a 24-year-old playing in his sixth collegiate season. Easily one of the nation's most experienced college players, Hartman transferred from Wake Forest to Notre Dame for his final year of eligibility, but why can Hartman play a sixth college football season? He retained two years of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and by playing only four games back in 2019.

There's no question if it's fair because Hartman is playing within the rules. However, throughout his dominating debut with the Irish, mentions of his accomplishments kept creeping up, which is bound to irk some purists.

For the record, Hartman finished the night 19-of-23 for 251 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-3 Notre Dame drubbing of Navy.

Sam Hartman ⏩ Jaden Greathouse!#NotreDame up BIG against Navy.

@nbc and @peacock pic.twitter.com/IXnF0pa9Zn
— Notre Dame on NBC (@NDonNBC) August 26, 2023

Per ESPN Stats and Info, his four passing scores tied him with Jack Coan (2021) and Ron Powlus (1994) for the most by a debuting Notre Dame quarterback. Meanwhile, Hartman reached 114 career touchdown passes, tying former Florida Gator Danny Wuerffel for 14th all-time. By the end of the 2023 season, Hartman could find himself among the top 10.

Saturday's hot start with the Irish is likely to be only the beginning for Hartman, who hopes to hear his name called in next year's NFL Draft. While not the ideal-sized quarterback prototype (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) for the top level, Hartman showcased the intangibles that set him apart, like pocket presence and accuracy. According to Ian Valentino of Pro Football Network, Hartman threw only four uncatchable balls out of 22 attempts on Saturday.

Regardless of his age or experience, Hartman is here to stay, but with every touchdown scored and record eclipsed, the naysayers will have something to hold against him. However, judging by Hartman's demeanor after Saturday's win, that outside noise isn't likely to bother him. As Notre Dame beat writer Tyler Horka stated, Hartman humbly answered every question thrown his way by reporters while turning the spotlight on others at Notre Dame whenever possible following the win.

More must-reads: