Don’t hate me when I say this, but The Bachelor has been an absolute trainwreck since, like, the beginning of time. Known for its fair share of controversy and dramatics, The Bachelor is like your ex: yeah, they put you through it. But, for some reason, you keep coming back.
After the absolute dumpster fire that was Clayton’s season, Bachelor Nation grew fearful that they would be subjected to back-to-back seasons of The Bachelor. However, the franchise was saved by the announcement that fan favorites Gabby and Rachel would be double-starring in the 19th season of The Bachelorette. And while this season has been full of drama (and questionable fashion), it has seemingly reinstated interest in The Bachelor/ette franchise—and who the next leading man will be.
Rachel and Gabby’s season has been full of great guys, but let’s not forget the absolute kings of seasons past. Who will be the next Bachelor? Keep reading to see our 5 theories of who will get the next rose.
1. Nate Mitchell
Okay, there’s no denying that Nate definitely got the coveted “Bachelor edit” on the current season of The Bachelorette. He was depicted as being kind, sensitive, goofy, and head-over-heels for Gabby throughout the season. For this reason, Bachelor Nation was heartbroken when Gabby decided to break things off with Nate in the season’s sixth episode. Why? Due to her own trauma with an absent mother, Gabby felt as though she wasn’t ready—at least for a while—to be a stepmother to someone else’s child.
While the breakup with the season’s “fan favorite” left Bachelor Nation in shock, Nate has been involved in his fair share of drama after the show. Prior to episode six, two women came forward with cheating claims against Nate—with one of them saying that Nate had kept his daughter a secret from her during their relationship, via TikTok. Nate has denied these allegations, but the claims still remain active on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Regardless of the drama surrounding Nate, the theory still stands: his tear-filled breakup and “good guy” depiction was the perfect formula for the “Bachelor edit,” and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him as the next Bachelor.
2. Rodney Mathews
Michelle’s season did not disappoint when it came to the men. Our season 18 queen’s maturity showed as she picked her history-making final four suitors—a franchise first, as they were all men of color. And while each of her picks were, honestly, pretty perfect, Bachelor Nation fell for the good-hearted and hilarious Rodney. Me, I’m Bachelor Nation. Rodney, I love you.
Why the producers chose Clayton over my Rodney? I have no idea. However, almost a year after this appearance on The Bachelorette, fans are still holding out hope that Rodney will get ABC’s rose. Maybe season 27 will be Rodney’s time to shine…
3. Michael Allio
Let’s get one thing straight: if you didn’t fall in love with Michael A. during Katie’s season (17) of The Bachelorette, you probably have no heart. I didn’t make the rules, okay?
Bachelor Nation absolutely fell for Michael A.’s sweet personality and genuine attitude throughout the season. Not to mention, his devotion to his son after the loss of his wife to cancer was an absolute tear-jerker and made Michal A. an all-time Bachelor Nation favorite. The man had such a way with words, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he were some kind of poet under the cover of darkness.
Michael A.’s genuine, romantic, and adorable “dad energy” might be just what The Bachelor needs. Catch me at the casting call should the producers pick him as the next leading man.
4. Tyler Cameron
In my mind, this is one of the most logical choices that the producers of The Bachelor can make. Not only is Tyler Cameron literally chiseled from marble, but his appearance on Hannah B.’s season of The Bachelorette (season 15) had viewers swooning over his caring personality: he always stuck up for Hannah B. and encouraged her to be empowered and independent. We stan a man who doesn’t let anyone control his girlfriend!
But I’m not alone in my love for Tyler C. TikTok has been full of creators calling for the franchise to make Tyler C. the next Bachelor. Not only would this make an ultimate fan favorite the center of the season, but his social media fame would bring back viewers and interested audiences to The Bachelor.
Because of his post-show fame, getting Tyler C. to revisit the franchise as the Bachelor might be a longshot. However, he did just confirm a breakup, I’m not giving up hope just yet. How much money do you want to be the next Bachelor, Tyler J. Cameron? I will personally start a GoFundMe.
5. Andrew Spencer & Greg Grippo
There are two Bachelorettes, so why not have two Bachelors!? Bachelor Nation is a lawless land, so let’s go for it. And while I would also love to see the James-Aaron double-Bachelor action, I feel as though their rowdy and hilarious personas are more suited for a Bachelor In Paradise hosting gig. So, who gets my rose for a prospective Bachelor duo? Andrew Spencer and Greg Grippo, of course.
Don’t hurt me. Yes, Greg was the subject of a lot of drama on Katie’s season of The Bachelorette. We can blame it on editing, but there’s no denying that Greg is one of the most controversial Bachelorette contestants of recent years. However, his sincere and apologetic attitude on After The Final Rose, as well as his post-show social media presence, has been making Bachelor Nation think: is it time for a Greg Grippo redemption?
Andrew, however, was a fan favorite from the beginning of Katie’s season: he’s literally an IRL rom-com character. After the show, Bachelor Nation became extremely entertained by Andrew and Greg’s friendship—so much so, that many are even calling for them to become the next Bachelors! And I’m joining in: seeing these two goofy (and handsome) guys star as the Bachelors would be enough to have me tuning in week after week.
Andrew and Greg, will you accept this rose?