When Dancing With the Stars returns for its 35th season, Maggie Sajak will have a very personal reason to tune in. Her boyfriend, Jackson Olson, has officially joined the cast, bringing his signature energy from the baseball diamond to the ballroom.
Olson, a third baseman for the Savannah Bananas, isn't just any athlete. Before his viral fame on TikTok and Instagram, he was a three-sport standout at New Milford High School and a college player at the University of Hartford. Now, he's ready to trade his cleats for dance shoes.
During an appearance on Good Morning America, Olson shared his disbelief at the opportunity. "When I was a kid, I never thought any of this was possible, even like, playing for the Bananas or anything like that. I was a shy kid that never danced, never put myself out there, never entertained and found a passion for it," he explained. "And now I kind of manifested this whole thing and posted a couple TikToks last year just joking [about joining the show], pranking my coach that I was going to be on the show, never thinking that it was a possibility. But when I posted it, I'm like, 'Maybe there is a possibility.' I saw some comments. I'm like, 'OK, maybe this is possible.'"
Maggie Sajak, daughter of Wheel of Fortune legend Pat Sajak, wasted no time showing her support. On her Instagram Story, she wrote: "Beyond proud of you @jacksonolson_…the dance floor better get ready."
Olson isn't the only notable name in the new cast. The Traitors star Maura Higgins and Summer House star Ciara Miller will also be competing. But Olson's unique backstory and connection to the Sajak family add an extra layer of intrigue.
He's already met Pat Sajak, and the experience went well. In a recent chat with Us Weekly, Olson said, "I have [met Pat Sajak], he's a great guy. Everybody's nervous to meet the father of the person they're dating, or mother or both. I'm a very weird person, I'm a very out there person. I'm not going to hold back who I am as a person, and people seem to enjoy that company. I'm happy that I'm able to be myself truly in every aspect now."
This isn't the first time Maggie Sajak has stepped into the spotlight. She's been seen at Savannah Bananas games cheering on Olson, and her social media presence has grown alongside his. The couple's dynamic has drawn attention, especially after Olson opened up about dating Pat Sajak's daughter.
As for the Sajak family, it's safe to assume they'll be voting for Olson once the season kicks off. Whether he can channel his athleticism into graceful routines remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: he's not holding back.
