Jackson Olson, a second baseman for the Savannah Bananas exhibition baseball team, will be a celebrity contestant on Season 35 [1] of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Olson is a prominent social-media personality whose addition to the cast brings the viral energy of the Savannah Bananas to a national television audience. His participation marks a crossover between the unconventional world of exhibition baseball and mainstream reality competition.

Disney confirmed the casting during its Upfront presentation in Los Angeles on May 12, 2026 [2]. The announcement took place as part of the network's programming reveals for the upcoming season on ABC [3]. At the time of the announcement, Olson was one of three cast members revealed [4].

Olson said he is thrilled to trade his baseball glove for a pair of dancing shoes and represent the Savannah Bananas on a national stage [1]. He said he is ready for the new challenge, moving from the baseball field to the ballroom [2].

Teammates of the second baseman expressed their support for the move. One unnamed teammate said they are pumped for Olson and believe he will bring the specific energy of the Bananas to the dance floor [3].

Olson is known for his role with the Savannah Bananas, a team that has gained massive popularity through entertainment-focused baseball and social media engagement. By joining the ABC series, Olson transitions from regional exhibition sports to a high-profile entertainment platform. The show typically pairs celebrities with professional dancers to compete in various ballroom styles over several weeks.

““I’m thrilled to trade my baseball glove for a pair of dancing shoes,” said Jackson Olson.”

The casting of Jackson Olson reflects a strategic move by ABC to leverage the 'Banana-ball' phenomenon, which blends sports with viral entertainment. By recruiting a personality from the Savannah Bananas, the show aims to capture a younger, digitally native demographic that follows Olson's social media presence and the team's unconventional approach to baseball.