Former Notre Dame and Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman remains one of the most followed rising athletes in American football. With his move into the NFL and his continued popularity among college football fans, people are increasingly curious about his personal life — particularly his relationship status.
As of June 2025, most signs still point to Tyla Ochoa, a standout soccer player from Wake Forest University, as his partner. Although the couple has kept things quiet, their relationship continues to draw interest from fans and reporters alike.
Below is the most accurate, up-to-date look at Sam Hartman’s girlfriend, his past statements about their relationship, and the context shaping his public image today.
Who Is Sam Hartman’s Girlfriend?
Sam Hartman is widely believed to still be in a relationship with Tyla Ochoa, though recent signs have sparked speculation.
They no longer follow each other on social media, and as of March 2025, a comment asking Tyla directly about Sam reportedly disappeared shortly after being posted, with the commenter blocked. This led to rumors of a breakup or, at the very least, a heightened desire for privacy.
Despite these whispers, there is no confirmed evidence that Sam and Tyla have ended their relationship. Both have always maintained a low public profile and rarely post about their personal lives. Their silence alone cannot be taken as proof of a split.
In a 2024 appearance on the On the Homefront podcast, Sam shared that he had a girlfriend who played soccer at Wake Forest, describing her as “awesome” and “great.” He did not mention Tyla by name, consistent with his preference to protect his private life. Even so, the details he provided matched Tyla perfectly, reinforcing her position as the most credible and confirmed partner linked to him.
Is Sam Hartman Married?
Sam Hartman is not married and has never publicly indicated being engaged.
Who Is Tyla Ochoa?
Tyla Ochoa, born February 8, 2003, in Encinitas, California, is an accomplished Wake Forest University soccer player. Known primarily for her athletic achievements, she has earned recognition for her defensive abilities and leadership on the field.
Before joining Wake Forest, she excelled at La Costa Canyon High School, where she served as team captain, earned MVP honors, and helped secure CIF Championships. She also competed in track, ranking third nationally in the 4×100 relay in 2019, and won the Surf Cup Championship six times with the San Diego Surf Club.
At Wake Forest, Tyla made an immediate impact, appearing in 18 games as a freshman and continuing to earn meaningful minutes in subsequent seasons.
While some online profiles describe her as a model, influencer, or clothing-brand owner, these appear exaggerated. Tyla’s public identity centers primarily on soccer, academics, and her family life.
How Sam Hartman and Tyla Ochoa Met
Sam Hartman and Tyla Ochoa reportedly met at Wake Forest University, where both were high-profile student athletes. Their connection seems to have developed naturally in the campus athletic community, with shared values of discipline, competition, and commitment.
Their relationship became public in March 2022, when Tyla posted a TikTok of them lip-syncing in the car. Additional clips — including a fishing trip video and a playful filter trend — showed a lighthearted, affectionate dynamic.
Although they have since stopped posting about each other, those early glimpses suggest a relationship built on fun, respect, and the shared grind of collegiate sports.
Addressing Rumors: Rachel and Kennedy Cook
As Sam Hartman’s visibility increased, so did the rumors about his romantic life. Over the years, two names surfaced repeatedly: Rachel and Kennedy Cook. Both claims were widely circulated on social media, yet neither holds up to scrutiny.
The Rachel rumor appears to stem from fan speculation rather than any real evidence. Meanwhile, reports linking Sam to Kennedy Cook — claimed by some outlets to be a frequent supporter at his games — have been debunked. Tyla Ochoa remains the only consistently credible figure connected to Sam, supported by both timelines and Sam’s own past comments.
These rumors reflect the challenges faced by public figures who try to maintain private relationships amid extensive fan interest.
Sam Hartman’s Public Image and Career
Born July 29, 1999, Sam Hartman is now 25 and navigating the competitive world of the NFL. After a standout collegiate career at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, he entered the 2024 NFL Draft and signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent.
Though waived in August 2024, he re-signed on a reserve/future contract in January 2025, giving him another opportunity to prove himself. His estimated net worth of around $2 million reflects his college stardom, NIL earnings, and professional contracts.
Fans admire Sam not only for his athletic ability but also for his perseverance. He has overcome significant medical setbacks — including surgery for Paget-Schroetter syndrome in 2022, which required removal of a rib, and thyroid surgery during his teenage years.
These experiences have shaped his image as a resilient, grounded athlete who refuses to let adversity define him.
Tyla Ochoa’s Place in Sam Hartman’s Life
Tyla’s role in Sam’s life appears to be one of steady support and understanding. As a fellow Division I athlete, she knows the demands, pressures, and sacrifices required at the highest collegiate levels. This shared experience likely strengthened their bond, enabling both to pursue ambitious goals while respecting each other’s schedules and challenges.
Throughout Sam’s time at Wake Forest, Tyla was reportedly a consistent emotional anchor. Similarly, Sam encouraged Tyla’s soccer journey, which remains her primary focus as of 2025.
Some fans have mistaken Tyla for an influencer or model because of her appearance and online presence, but her priority remains sports and education.
The Impact of Sam’s NFL Path on Their Relationship
Sam’s NFL career has been filled with uncertainty — from going undrafted to being waived, to earning another chance with the Commanders. This instability can place strain on any relationship, especially when paired with potential long-distance challenges if Tyla remains in North Carolina.
For now, the couple’s current status is private. Whether they are navigating long-distance or remaining intentionally low-profile, their history suggests a relationship built on mutual respect.
Conclusion
As of 2025, the most credible and consistent information points to Tyla Ochoa as Sam Hartman’s girlfriend. Though their social media activity has quieted and rumors have swirled, no reliable evidence confirms a breakup. Sam’s own comments about dating a Wake Forest soccer player strongly align with Tyla, reinforcing her position in his life.
Their story began on the fields of Wake Forest, built on shared discipline, athletic ambition, and mutual admiration. While Sam works to solidify his place in the NFL and Tyla continues her soccer career, their relationship — whether ongoing privately or evolved into something new — reflects the reality of young athletes balancing love with demanding professional paths.