Once upon a time, Dancing with the Stars existed in a time when social media influencers and personalities weren’t even a twinkle in our eye. Now, fame and celebrity can be dictated based on follower count and the number of shares a Reel or TikTok might receive. Though some may frown upon the rise of viral stars stepping foot in the ballroom, it’s impossible to recognize why these stars have made such a lasting impact on the long-running series.
Though we’re still about two months away from learning the full cast of the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars, it means fans will speculate about who might get the inevitable call. With social media personalities already filling up three-quarters of the cast so far, perhaps another dance-centric athlete-slash-entertainer should be added to the mix. For a show that loves professional athletes, there’s no time like the present to add this breakout star of the Savannah Bananas: Jackson Olson.
Jackson Olson Is the Heart of Banana Ball
Let’s set the stage. The Savannah Bananas have reached viral heights in the world of sports and entertainment. As the central team of Banana Ball, the exciting traveling baseball league has truly become so popular that they continue to sell out Big League parks and have over 150 venues begging for their presence in 2026. Thanks in part to the mix of exceptional athletic prowess and the weaving of TikTok dances, hilarious gimmicks, and outright fun, the Savannah Bananas are becoming bigger than the MLB. Essentially, the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball, Dancing with the Stars would be foolish not to invite the star player to the ballroom.
Olson, the star second baseman of the Banana League team, has lit up the diamond with his dance moves and would be a perfect fit next to Alix Earle and the MomTok stars, Jennifer Affleck and Whitney Leavitt. Like the latter, the social media influence has helped propel him to fame, alongside the rest of the team’s roster. He can dance, he can flip, he can make you smile. And he’s not shy about making sure the audience is entertained. Olson’s desire to compete on the show has been the focus of various social media videos. He’s teased and trolled that he would do it, so maybe now it’s time to speak it into existence.
Olson is a true showman. He’s charismatic. He’s willing to go the distance by mixing pop culture into his performances. Whether he’s walking up to “I’m Just Ken” from Barbie, paying homage to the DCOM classic Zenon, or creating hilarious road trip content, Olson is a star. Though TikTok dances don’t necessarily translate to the Cha Cha Cha or Argentine Tango, Olson already has the ability to strike a pose and move and groove to the rhythm. Athletes have had an exceptional history on DWTS, but none have been like the Savannah Bananas.
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Let’s get ready to rumble and cha-cha!
Why the Savannah Bananas Are Viral Hits
Fans have been going bananas for Banana Ball. The perfect blend of sport and entertainment has provided a sense of escapism. It’s refreshing and unique, and nearly impossible not to induce a smile while watching. The players bring zany moves to the mound before a pitch. The umpires sometimes even get in on the action. Where else are you going to watch a baseball player expertly hit a home run on stilts as a pitcher hurls a fastball with fire in the other hand? Savannah Bananas and their fellow Banana Ball teams are a joyful and pleasant phenomenon. And Dancing with the Stars loves to be on top of the trend.
With the Savannah Bananas becoming just as big as the MLB, Jackson Olson’s showmanship and energy is exactly what DWTS needs. His presence will attract a new viewership, including young fans who have made his club their favorite. His motto, “Don’t be afraid 2 b u,” is the perfect inspiration and representation of the star. Perhaps the biggest sign that Olson could be tapped to dance is the Savannah Bananas’ relationship with Disney and ESPN. When the team was in town to play in Anaheim, the team was graced with a parade at Disneyland. Olson even acknowledged the importance of this visit for him, making him even more endearing. The only downside to his potential casting would be the playing schedule. Could he sacrifice some time away from the team for rehearsals and filming? If ABC and the Savannah Bananas were smart, they’d make this opportunity a reality. Jackson Olson could easily amplify Dancing with the Stars to new viral heights.