Profile
Sam McKinney Biography
Sam McKinney is an American reality TV personality and contractor who initially gained recognition for starring in The Bachelorette Season 21 in 2024, where he competed until his elimination in week 6. Following his elimination, he returned to the franchise in 2021 as a contestant on Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 in 2025, departing in week 1. He returns to the reality TV scene as a competitor on HGTV’s Bachelor Mansion Takeover, which premieres on March 2, 2026.
Sam McKinney Height
McKinney stands at a rough height of 6 feet and 2 inches.
Sam McKinney Age
McKinney is 29 years old. He was born on January 14, 1997, in the United States. McKinney annually celebrates his birthday on January 14th.
Personal Life
Sam McKinney Family and Relatives
McKinney was born to Susan and Jefferson McKinney. He was raised in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, with his four siblings, including Olivia, Seth, Charlie, and his twin, Hannah. He was homeschooled while growing up.
Olivia got married to Ed Kirtley in May 2024, which Sam officiated. On September 11, 2024, he shared a photo of them at her wedding ceremony, captioning it “To one of the proudest days of my life…My sister…married each other in May, and what a powerful moment it was. To see my best friend live out my lifelong dream was such a feeling of inspiration…”
Seth celebrates his birthday on October 10th, as revealed by his Instagram post on October 10, 2024, captioned “Happy Birthday to my hell raisin’ partner in crime…Lastly, you may be bigger than me, but you know who Papí is… love you endlessly my guy🤞🏽.”
Jefferson celebrates his birthday on September 19th, as revealed by McKinney’s Instagram post on September 19, 2024, captioned “To the greatest man I know….From the moment I was born, having all of the complications I did, you were by my side…I love you endlessly Pops. Thank you ❤️Y’all go wish this kick ass man a Happy Birthday!”
Sam McKinney Spouse and Children
McKinney is in a relationship with Alli Jo “JoJo” Hinkes, a fitness trainer and alumnus of The Bachelor Season 29 and Bachelor in Paradise Season 10. Despite both appearing on Season 10 of Bachelor in Paradise, they missed each other on the beach by just one day. They connected off-screen after she messaged him via Instagram DMs once she returned home.
In early June 2025, he flew from South Carolina to Florida to meet her in person for the first time. The duo officially confirmed their relationship on July 28, 2025, via a joint Instagram post captioned, “Sometimes… You gotta do it your damn self.” McKinney enjoys golf, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his dog during his free time.
Before starring in The Bachelorette Season 21, McKinney was single for almost a year after breaking off his engagement because his partner, whom he had known since middle school, was unfaithful to him. He said that the experience was the biggest heartbreak he has had.
Sam McKinney Education
McKinney received his diploma from Socastee High School before enrolling at Wofford College in South Carolina to focus on pre-engineering. While in high school, he spent three years as a starter for the school’s football team, where he was a free safety and a punt returner. During his senior year, he set a school record with eight interceptions and had 84 tackles to win All-Region, All-Zone, and All-Area honors. Moreover, he was a four-year letterman in baseball and wrestling, as well as a member of the Spanish Honor Society.
Professional Life
Sam McKinney Net Worth
McKinney has garnered a net worth ranging from $100K to $2 million during his successful career as a reality TV personality and contractor.
Sam McKinney Career
McKinney is a contractor from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He is currently a project manager for a construction company, specializing in custom home building and renovations.
Sam McKinney Accident
McKinney was involved in a motorcycle accident in September 2023, where someone pulled out in front of him doing about 55 mph. He flew over the top of the individual’s car onto the asphalt with no helmet and no real protective gear. Even though he didn’t have visible injuries, he had internal damage that left him struggling to lift even 25 pounds. Following the incident, he went to PAR Physical Therapy in Myrtle Beach for several months. On September 24, 2024, he talked about the accident via an Instagram post and said that the group helped him get back to normal.
Sam McKinney TV Shows
McKinney initially gained recognition for starring in The Bachelorette Season 21 in 2024, where he competed until her elimination in week 6. Following his elimination, he returned to the franchise in 2021 as a contestant on Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 in 2025, departing in week 1. He returns to the reality TV scene as a competitor on HGTV’s Bachelor Mansion Takeover, which premieres on March 2, 2026.
Sam McKinney Bachelor Mansion Takeover
McKinney stars as a competitor on HGTV’s Bachelor Mansion Takeover, which premieres on March 2, 2026. Hosted by Jesse Palmer, the series features judges Tayshia Adams and Tyler Cameron, along with rotating guest judges. Bachelor Mansion Takeover follows 12 former contestants from The Bachelor franchise as they renovate the iconic Bachelor mansion in Agoura Hills, California, which has served as the franchise’s home base for most of its 23-year history. Every week, the contestants participate in elimination challenges. After every renovation, one of them stands a chance to walk away with a $100,000 prize.
McKinney is experienced in supervising teams and guaranteeing quality craftsmanship, especially now that he is a project manager. He hopes his construction expertise and leadership skills come in handy as the work on renovating the mansion. McKinney competes against fellow contestants, including
- Tammy Ly
- Noah Erb
- Sandra Mason
- Joan Vassos
- Jill Chin
- Jeremy Simon
- Courtney Robertson Preciado
- Allyshia Gupta
- Christopher Stallworth
- Dean Bell
- Brendan Morais
Sam McKinney Bachelor in Paradise Season 10
Following his elimination on The Bachelorette Season 21, McKinney returned to the franchise in 2021 as a contestant on Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 in 2025. Though he went on a romantic one-on-one date with Jess Edwards, she eventually chose to stick with her initial connection, Spencer Conley. In this capacity, she gave Spencer her rose, leading to McKinney’s elimination in week 1.
McKinney had expressed interest in meeting Alli Jo Hinkes before filming Bachelor in Paradise Season 10. However, he was eliminated during the first rose ceremony, exactly one day before she arrived on the beach.
Sam McKinney The Bachelorette Season 21
McKinney initially gained recognition for starring in The Bachelorette Season 21 in 2024. On the show, he sought a loyal partner who would build a family with him, as his “ultimate dream” is being a loving husband and father.
During a group date, he shared that Jenn Tran, the season’s bachelorette, was not his “type” and that he had joined the show expecting the lead to be Daisy Kent or Maria Georgas. Some said he lacked emotional depth, particularly after he pressured a visibly terrified Jenn to jump off the Sky Tower in New Zealand. Jenn described it as “dismissive” and “annoying.” He also struggled to articulate why he liked her beyond their physical chemistry and was frequently confrontational with other contestants, notably Devin Strader.
McKinney was eventually eliminated in week 6. Following his elimination, Sam and his family publicly claimed he received a “villain edit” and that footage was manipulated to make him look worse. During the “Love to See It” podcast, Jenn said that nobody can put words in your mouth and that one should take responsibility for their words.
Sam McKinney Social Media
McKinney has an active social media platform, i.e., Instagram, which has a following of over 48K.