Jackson Olson will compete on Season 35 [2] of "Dancing with the Stars," according to an announcement made on May 13, 2026 [3].
The casting marks a crossover between professional sports and digital influence. Olson is known as a second baseman for the Savannah Bananas and as a social-media personality with 2.1 million TikTok followers [1].
The reveal took place during Disney’s Upfront presentation in Los Angeles [4]. Following the announcement, Olson discussed the news during a live appearance on Good Morning America [4].
Olson was selected as the latest athlete to join the competition. He has previously used social media to showcase his personality and athletic skills, traits the show often seeks in its celebrity contestants.
Regarding the casting, Olson said, "I kind of manifested this whole thing" [1].
As a member of the Savannah Bananas, Olson is part of a team that blends traditional baseball with entertainment. This transition to a televised dance competition aligns with the team's brand of performance-based athletics. The show will pair him with a professional dancer to compete for the Mirrorball Trophy in the upcoming season [2].
“"I kind of manifested this whole thing"”
The inclusion of Jackson Olson reflects a strategic shift by network casting to target Gen Z audiences. By pairing a professional athlete from a 'viral' sports entity like the Savannah Bananas with a massive TikTok following, the production aims to bridge the gap between traditional linear television and short-form social media engagement.
