“Dancing with the Stars” Reveals Savannah Bananas’ Jackson Olson Will Join Season 35

**Baseball Star Jackson Olson Joins Cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 35**

In a surprising development for fans of both sports and reality TV, Jackson Olson, a prominent player with the Savannah Bananas, has been officially announced as a contestant for the upcoming 35th season of *Dancing with the Stars*. The news was revealed during a presentation by ABC at Disney’s Upfront event on May 12, drawing considerable excitement from both baseball enthusiasts and followers of the hit dance competition.

The 28-year-old Olson is known not only for his prowess on the baseball field but also for his significant social media presence. With more than two million followers on TikTok, he has garnered attention through engaging skits and dance trends, seamlessly blending athleticism with entertainment.

Olson’s rise to fame within the Savannah Bananas—a team that uniquely combines traditional baseball with lively performances, such as choreographed routines and interactive audience participation—has made him a standout figure. He began his journey with the team in 2022, after initially stepping away from a potential career with the Arizona Diamondbacks to focus on his education. Following the disruption of the MLB draft due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he shifted from the University of Hartford to Stetson University, where he completed his degree.

Reflecting on his experience with the Bananas, Olson admitted to feeling a decline in his passion for baseball prior to joining the team. “I thought I was done with baseball after my career at Stetson University,” Olson mentioned in an interview with *PEOPLE*. He added, “Mentally, I kind of fell out of love with the game. And the Bananas brought that back,” illustrating how the team’s vibrant atmosphere reignited his enthusiasm for the sport.

Joining Olson in the ballroom competition will be Ciara Miller, a star of *Summer House*, and Maura Higgins, known for her appearance as a runner-up on *The Traitors*. As the season approaches, both Miller and Higgins have been candid about their preparations for the rigours of dance training. Miller has expressed her eagerness to embrace the demanding schedule of the show, mentioning plans to incorporate yoga, Pilates, and running into her routine to enhance her stamina and endurance.

The complete line-up of contestants, which will also feature a series of professional dancers, is set to be announced on September 2 during a segment on *Good Morning America*. With the show’s reputation for showcasing a compelling mix of celebrities from various fields, fans are eagerly anticipating the diversity of talent this season will bring.

The excitement surrounding the upcoming season is also heightened by the introduction of *Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro*. This new series will premiere on July 13 and feature Robert Irwin as host. It will showcase twelve promising dancers vying for a coveted position as a professional dancer in the main competition. Such initiatives demonstrate the show’s commitment to nurturing new talent alongside established stars.

As *Dancing with the Stars* gears up for its much-anticipated return in the autumn on ABC and Disney+, viewers can expect a delightful blend of glamour, competition, and personal stories. Episodes will also be available for streaming the day following their original broadcast on Hulu, providing fans with ample opportunity to catch all the dance floor action.

Olson’s unique combination of sportsmanship and flair for performance places him in an intriguing position within the competition. With a foundation built on entertaining baseball fans through innovative, lively matches, his transition to the rigours of dancing promises to be a thrilling spectacle. As fans await the new season, the excitement builds for both Jackson Olson and his fellow contestants as they prepare to compete for the coveted mirrorball trophy.