Jackson Olson is officially heading to the ballroom! On May 12, 2026, Dancing with the Stars announced the Savannah Bananas star as a contestant for Season 35.
The 28-year-old viral dancer and second baseman brings serious athleticism, showmanship, and a massive TikTok following (over 2 million) to the competition.
With his Banana Ball dance routines already going viral, fans are buzzing about who his professional partner will be. The pro pairings haven’t dropped yet, so here are the 5 strongest predictions for Jackson Olson’s DWTS partner — ranked by chemistry, fan demand, and strategic fit.
Why Jackson Olson Needs the Right Partner
Jackson isn’t a total beginner. His mid-game dances with the Savannah Bananas have millions of views, and he’s got natural rhythm, athletic power, and charisma. But DWTS demands precision, storytelling, and emotional connection in ballroom styles.
A strong pro can elevate his performance from “fun athlete” to serious contender. His girlfriend Maggie Sajak (daughter of Pat Sajak) will likely be in the audience cheering him on, adding an extra feel-good storyline.
Top 5 DWTS Pro Partner Predictions for Jackson Olson
1. Rylee Arnold (Strongest Favorite)
This is the pairing fans want most — and Jackson himself has hinted at it. In past interviews and TikToks, he’s named Rylee as his dream partner.
Why it works perfectly:
- Height match (both tall and athletic)
- Rylee’s youthful, energetic style fits Jackson’s fun Banana Ball vibe
- She’s proven she can bring out the best in male athletes and entertainers
- Massive fan excitement = huge voting power
Rylee Arnold has become one of DWTS’s most popular pros, and this duo could deliver viral dances week after week.
2. Daniella Karagach
Daniella is a technical powerhouse and multiple-time champion. She excels at polishing raw talent into elegance.
Pros: Jackson’s athletic background + Daniella’s choreography = high-scoring routines.
Cons: Slightly more serious tone compared to Jackson’s playful energy.
3. Britt Stewart
Britt brings incredible energy and has experience with charismatic, high-movement celebs.
She could help Jackson shine in Latin and contemporary numbers that play to his dance strengths.
4. Emma Slater
A DWTS veteran who knows how to craft emotional, crowd-pleasing storylines. Great for building Jackson’s “underdog with heart” narrative.
5. Pasha Pashkov (Wildcard)
If producers want a fresh male-female dynamic twist or strong technical foundation, Pasha’s precision and humor could be a surprise hit.
What Fans Are Saying Right Now
Social media exploded after the announcement:
- “Jackson + Rylee NEEDS to happen!” (most common comment)
- Many are already planning to vote early via the #21523 number
- Banana Ball fans and Maggie Sajak supporters are hyped for the crossover
When Will the Pro Partners Be Announced?
Typically, full cast and pairings drop in late summer on Good Morning America, with the season premiering in fall 2026 on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu. Expect more reveals soon!
Final Prediction
Jackson Olson + Rylee Arnold is the dream team most likely to happen — and the one with the highest potential to go deep (maybe even Mirrorball contention if the votes roll in).
His combination of athleticism, existing dance skills, social media army, and adorable support from Maggie Sajak makes him one of the most exciting contestants of Season 35.
Who do YOU want as Jackson Olson’s DWTS partner? Drop your prediction in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow for updates as more cast news drops.
Would you like me to create the full article for another keyword (e.g., Rylee Arnold version, Maggie Sajak angle, or Will He Win?)? Or tweaks to this one? Just let me know!
