Shocking Split: Big Brother 26's Matt Hardeman and Makensy Manbeck Announce Breakup After One Year

Well, houseguests, prepare for some sad news! Fan-favorite Big Brother 26 couple Matt Hardeman and Makensy Manbeck have officially ended their relationship, confirming the heartbreaking news to their dedicated followers.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Matt and Makensy's Split

• Big Brother 26 stars Matt Hardeman and Makensy Manbeck have called it quits after roughly one year of dating.
• Both Matt and Makensy confirmed their split on Instagram, making it unequivocally clear that no cheating was involved.
• While acknowledging the pain and "long road of healing," both ex-houseguests expressed continued love and gratitude for their journey together.

The Initial Buzz: How Fans Discovered the Big Brother Split News

In the world of reality TV, silence speaks volumes, and for Matt Hardeman and Makensy Manbeck, a simple unfollow on Instagram was enough to send ripples through the fan community. Savvy social media sleuths quickly noticed that the beloved Big Brother 26 duo, who had cultivated a strong following since their season aired in summer 2024, were no longer connected on the platform. This digital disconnect immediately sparked rumors and speculation: could the popular showmance have actually fizzled out?

It didn't take long for those whispers to turn into confirmed reports. Less than 24 hours after the unfollowing spree was noticed, Makensy herself took to Instagram to address the situation directly. Her candor and openness have always been a hallmark of her public persona, and she didn't shy away from sharing this deeply personal news with her invested supporters. Matt followed suit shortly after, offering his own perspective on the difficult decision.

Reliving Their Journey: From Big Brother House Guests to a Beloved Real-Life Couple

Let's rewind a bit to where it all began: the summer 2024 season of Big Brother 26. Matt Hardeman, a 26-year-old tech rep from Loganville, Georgia, entered the house with a clear affinity for Southern girls. Makensy Manbeck, a 23-year-old construction project manager from Houston, Texas, quickly caught his eye. While inside the infamous house, their connection was undeniable, sparking early "showmance" rumors among fellow houseguests, despite Makensy initially wanting to keep things platonic. Their magnetic pull, however, hinted at something more profound brewing beneath the surface of the game.

Unfortunately for Matt, his time in the Big Brother house was cut short as he became the first contestant evicted. This meant their nascent in-house romance couldn't fully blossom under the watchful eyes of the cameras. But absence, as they say, makes the heart grow fonder. Once Makensy eventually exited the house herself—making an impressive run all the way to runner-up, ultimately losing to Chelsie Baham—she and Matt reconnected in the outside world. And that's where their true love story began to unfold.

Their conversations extended for hours, deep and meaningful, particularly as they bonded over their shared Christian faith and core values. It was this strong foundation of mutual respect and spiritual alignment that transformed their friendship into a passionate romance. After a period of "soft launches" on social media, where fans got hints of their growing closeness, Matt and Makensy officially "hard-launched" their relationship on Instagram in December 2024. Their post, featuring a loved-up photo of Matt kissing Makensy's cheek, was captioned with a playful, "In case the soft launches weren't enough, here's a hard launch," much to the delight of their followers.

Their relationship seemed to go from strength to strength. In January, Makensy shared exclusive news with Us Weekly that she was planning a big move to Atlanta, where Matt resided. "Matt's in Atlanta and I am moving to Atlanta," she excitedly told the publication. "I'm so, so excited. A lot of people are like, 'Why didn't you drag him to Texas?' I'm like, 'Well guys, I really like Atlanta.' I actually grew up here for 10 years so I really like it here. I love the community that he's built here and I think it's just time for me to have a little change and I want to be close to him." Their shared faith continued to be a pillar of their romance, with Makensy highlighting, "I think that's one of my favorite things about Matt is that he has such a love for the Lord and he just uses that and instills it in himself... The number one is love." Matt himself had previously expressed worries about their relationship surviving outside the unique environment of the Big Brother house, but for nearly a year, they made it work, living out a dream that many showmances only hope for.

Their Heartfelt Confirmations: What Matt and Makensy Shared About the End of Their Relationship

The news of their split hit fans hard, especially after seeing how openly they shared their lives and love for the past year. Makensy was the first to officially confirm the breakup, posting a candid statement on her Instagram Story on Friday, October 17, 2025. She addressed her followers directly and with the transparency they had come to expect.

"I want to be very open with y'all, just as I've been over the past year while sharing my life," Makensy wrote. "Matt and I are no longer together. And I want to make it 100% clear, no one cheated. We are normal people who spent great time together that sadly came to an end." This clarification about infidelity was crucial, preempting any rumors that often plague celebrity breakups. She continued to express her deep feelings for Matt, emphasizing, "I loved Matt very much, and I still do. He is a big part of my life. I am truly grateful that God crossed our paths, even if it wasn't for forever."

Makensy also candidly spoke about the personal toll the breakup would take, preparing her followers for her healing journey. "All I ask moving forward is that you continue to support and please be kind. I loved him and our relationship deeply, and this will be a long road of healing for me. I will do my best to stay present with y'all through it all though," she concluded, asking for understanding and continued support.

Just a day later, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Matt Hardeman offered his own series of statements on his Instagram story, providing a glimpse into his perspective on the split. He acknowledged the breakup, stating, "As many of you know, I have decided to part ways and end my relationship with Makensy." Matt's message hinted at deeper, more complex issues, explaining, "There has been a lot of hurt and pain over the course of the last year, and although many may not understand, I'm choosing to believe there is more for me in what God's plan is ahead."

Like Makensy, Matt was keen to ensure there was no animosity or blame. "In no way would I ever hope to bash Makensy. The internet tries to make you think you have to take sides, that it's me vs her, and I don't think either one of us would ever ask for that," he wrote, calling for unity and kindness from their shared fanbase. He fondly reflected on their time together, saying, "We got to walk through one of the most special, fun, and unique seasons of life together. To have so many invested in our relationship, to have been given some of the cool opportunities we have, it's an honor."

However, Matt also alluded to the specific challenges that ultimately led to their separation. "Unfortunately, certain things have transpired over the course of the last year that leave us no choice but to know that although we would like to, we can not make this work," he revealed, without going into specific details, choosing to keep the private aspects of their relationship private. Despite the pain, he held onto hope for the positive impact their love had, concluding, "My biggest hope for what our relationship was is that it would serve as a beacon of hope to those who saw it. Although we are choosing to now part ways, it still feels cool to see that for so many of you—it was."

"I want to be very open with y'all... Matt and I are no longer together. And I want to make it 100% clear, no one cheated... This will be a long road of healing for me."

— Makensy Manbeck via Instagram Story

"There has been a lot of hurt and pain over the course of the last year... Unfortunately, certain things have transpired... we can not make this work."

— Matt Hardeman via Instagram Story

The Unique Challenges of Showmances: Life After the Big Brother House

Matt and Makensy's breakup is a stark reminder of the unique pressures and complexities that come with finding love on a reality TV show, especially one as intense as Big Brother. While the controlled environment of the house can foster incredibly deep bonds in a short time, transitioning that relationship into the "real world" — with its distance, differing careers, and the constant scrutiny of public opinion — is often a monumental challenge.

Showmances are a staple of Big Brother, drawing in viewers who become emotionally invested in these budding romances. For every successful couple who manages to make it work (and even thrive!) outside the house, there are many others who, despite genuine feelings, find that the foundations built in isolation can't always withstand the realities of everyday life. Matt and Makensy's story, sadly, joins the latter group.

This recent split isn't the only one making headlines in the Big Brother universe. Just recently, Big Brother 23 winners Derek Xiao and Claire Rehfuss also announced their breakup after four years together. Their long-term relationship had been a source of inspiration for many fans, making their split equally surprising and disheartening. It just goes to show that even the strongest connections can face unforeseen obstacles.

However, it's not all heartbreak in the Big Brother family! Some showmances truly do stand the test of time and even flourish. For instance, Big Brother 18 stars Nicole Franzel and Victor Arroyo are currently expecting twins, expanding their beautiful family. And from Big Brother 19, Cody and Jessica Nickson recently welcomed their fifth daughter together, showcasing a different kind of reality TV success story. These examples highlight the spectrum of outcomes for couples who meet on the show, from lasting love and growing families to amicable partings filled with mutual respect, much like Matt and Makensy appear to be navigating.

What's Next for Matt Hardeman and Makensy Manbeck After Their Big Brother Split?

As Matt and Makensy embark on their respective "long roads of healing," as Makensy put it, fans are undoubtedly wondering what the future holds for these two individuals. Both have asked for kindness and understanding during this difficult time, a testament to the emotional weight that comes with ending a public relationship. They built a significant following together, sharing their journey, their faith, and their daily lives, often through engaging TikToks and Instagram posts. While the romantic partnership has ended, the respect and care they expressed for each other suggest that an amicable parting is their goal.

Given their active engagement with their online communities, it's likely that both Matt and Makensy will continue to share aspects of their lives, albeit separately, with their loyal fans. Makensy's commitment to "stay present" with her followers through her healing process indicates her intention to maintain that connection. Matt's reflections on his faith and finding God's plan suggest a period of personal introspection and growth for him. While the specifics of their individual next steps are still unfolding, it's clear that both are focusing on self-care and moving forward after a significant chapter in their lives has closed.

The Big Brother community is known for its strong bonds, and undoubtedly, Matt and Makensy will continue to have the support of their fellow houseguests and the broader fan base as they navigate this new chapter. It's a tough reminder that even fairy tale romances born in the most unique circumstances can face real-world challenges, but hopefully, both Matt and Makensy will find happiness in their individual paths forward.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About This Big Brother Split Answered

What caused Matt Hardeman and Makensy Manbeck's breakup?

Both Matt and Makensy confirmed their split, stating clearly that no cheating was involved. Makensy mentioned a "long road of healing," while Matt alluded to "certain things that have transpired over the last year" making it impossible to continue, despite their desire. They both emphasized that the decision was difficult and not taken lightly.

When did Matt and Makensy confirm their relationship?

Matt Hardeman and Makensy Manbeck officially "hard-launched" their relationship on Instagram in December 2024, after connecting on Big Brother 26 in the summer of that year.

Are Matt Hardeman and Makensy Manbeck still friends?

While their romantic relationship has ended, both Matt and Makensy expressed deep respect and continued care for each other in their breakup announcements. Makensy stated Matt is "still in her life" and that she "loves him a lot," suggesting they aim to maintain an amicable relationship.

What happened to Matt and Makensy on Big Brother 26?

Matt Hardeman was the first houseguest evicted from Big Brother 26. Makensy Manbeck had a much longer run, making it all the way to the final two chairs before ultimately finishing as the runner-up.

Sources

• Instagram: @matt_hardeman
• Instagram: @makensyjomanbeck
• Us Weekly
• Parade
• Entertainment Now
• Just Jared