Dancing With the Stars cast reveal: Savannah Bananas star Jackson Olson, Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech lead athletes on new season

It is time to finally return to the ballroom.

Season 35 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars is set to air on Tuesday, September 15, as part of a two-night premiere.

The show has become a fan favorite largely because of its cast mix of actors, athletes, and reality TV stars.

Ahead of Wednesday, only four cast members had been officially revealed. Summer House‘s Ciara Miller, Love Island UK contestant Maura Higgins, Jimmy Kimmel Live‘s Guillermo Rodriguez and the Savannah Bananas’ Jackson Olson were the only cast members known.

The remainder of the cast was announced during Wednesday’s episode of Good Morning America. Joining Olson are Ezra Frech and Amber Glenn as this season’s athletes.

Olson, notably, was the first athlete revealed. Athletes tend to perform well on the show, but there have been varying degrees of success in recent seasons. Former NBA point guard Baron Davis was eliminated first last season, while Team USA rugby star Ilona Maher was the runner-up in 2024.

Olson, Frech and Glenn will look to be the first athlete to win the Mirrorball Trophy since former NBA player Iman Shumpert won alongside his pro Danielle Karagach in 2021.

So far, 12 athletes have won Dancing With the Stars.

• Iman Shumpert, 2021 – Former NBA guard

• Adam Rippon, 2018 – Former Olympic figure skater (this was an all-athlete season)

• Rashad Jennings, 2017 – Former NFL running back

• Laurie Hernandez, 2016 – Former Olympic gymnast

• Meryl Davis, 2014 – Former Olympic ice dancer

• Donald Driver, 2012 – Former NFL wide receiver

• Hines Ward, 2011 – Former NFL wide receiver

• Shawn Johnson, 2009 – Former Olympic gymnast

• Kristi Yamaguchi, 2008 – Former Olympic figure skater

• Helio Castroneves, Fall 2007 – IndyCar driver

• Apolo Anton Ohno, Spring 2007 – Former Olympic speed skater

• Emmitt Smith, 2006 – Former NFL running back

Jackson Olson, Savannah Bananas

Olson is a member of the Savannah Bananas, best described as baseball’s take on the Harlem Globetrotters. The games marry baseball with performance, and this merger is where Olson shines.

The second baseman doesn’t have a background in music theater, but you could never tell from his performances on the field. He has orchestrated dances in honor of both The Greatest Showman and the musical Dear Evan Hansen, among several others.

Olson’s ability to connect with the crowd carried over to his social media, where he has gone viral several times. As of Monday, August 31, his TikTok account has 2.2 million followers, while his Instagram has 1.1 million videos. He is already posting behind-the-scenes clips from DWTS on both platforms.

This story will be updated.