Who is the next Bachelor? Here's what you need to know ahead of season 26

We're all wondering the same thing: who is the next Bachelor? One fella in particular seems to be gearing up for a go...

the bachelor clayton Echard
(Image credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin)
Danielle Valente
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in Features

Ready for roses? We're all wondering the same thing: who is the next Bachelor? 

As the franchise continues without its most familiar face, Chris Harrison, fans are curious how the forthcoming quest for love will unfold.

Michelle Young, who is the new Bachelorette, is gearing up for her season premiere on October 16, and many suspect a fella from her season will get his own time in the spotlight. We'll fill you in on the rumors swirling throughout Bachelor Nation and everything we know so far. 

Who is the next Bachelor?

While ABC has yet to confirm the details, Reality Steve, the Sherlock Holmes of our favorite series, suspects that we'll be introduced to someone Bachelor Nation doesn't know...yet. 

Rumor has it that 28-year-old Clayton Echard, who is set to appear on Young's season of The Bachelorette is the one who will be handing out roses beginning in 2022. 

The orthopedic sales rep, who once made an attempt to make it in the NFL, hails from Missouri and studied health professions and related clinical sciences as an undergrad at the University of Missouri, Columbia. By 2023, he'll have earned a Master of Business Administration in health and healthcare from Southeast Missouri State University. 

On Instagram, the potential Bachelor is seen posing with family, friends and at times, shirtless. He describes himself in the bio as a "Former freestyle rapper and washed-up athlete now trying his luck in orthopedic sales."

Judging from his posts, the ladies are going to be very happy to see him in a suit...or without a top.

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Once ABC makes the final announcement about its selection for The Bachelor season 26, we'll be sure to let you know. We have an inkling that we'll be treated to more news upon Michelle Young's premiere, so tune in!

Who is the new host of 'The Bachelor'?

Bachelor Nation never strays away from its family. Now that Chris Harrison has officially exited the franchise—which in turn left Katie Thurston with new hosts for The Bachelorette and celeb guests on Bachelor in Paradise—it's been confirmed that a television broadcaster and former NFL quarterback, Jesse Palmer, will do the honors. Palmer was on The Bachelor many moons ago in 2004. 

According to a statement, Palmer said: "Falling in love is one of life’s greatest gifts, and I am humbled by the opportunity to return to the show as host this season to offer the newest Bachelor advice gained from firsthand experience and I am grateful to play a small part in his journey."

Though he'll be the host of season 26, which is likely to star Echard...or so we think, his fate with BiP and The Bachelorette has not been confirmed as of yet.

Be sure to look out for Echard or the next eligible single on season 26 of The Bachelor, which will hit TV screens in January 2022. 

Danielle Valente
Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again. 

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