Some people live for March Madness while others put their betting skills to the test with The Bachelor. This season, fans can’t wait to watch Grant Ellis on his journey to find love with one of the 25 women vying for his heart. What better way to have some friendly competition with friends than by making predictions on which lucky lady makes it to the finale than with a weekly printable Bachelor bracket?
Grant, 31, made his reality TV debut during Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette. The New Jersey native pursued a professional basketball career and played overseas before an injury sidelined him for good. Grant then opted for a position in the finance industry and now works as a day trader. While he and Jenn, 27, didn’t find love, he received another chance when producers chose him to be the next star of The Bachelor. However, fans were shocked when ABC made the announcement much earlier than the network has in the past.
It didn’t take long for ABC executive Robert Mills to assure fans that there wasn’t anything going on behind the scenes that affected the timing of the announcement.
“We are announcing Grant so quickly so people can still apply to be on his season,” Robert wrote via X. “If you think Grant is potentially the man of your dreams or you know someone who is apply ASAP!!!”
“After an emotional exit, Grant Ellis’ journey to find love will continue as he takes on the role of leading man for the upcoming 29th season of The Bachelor,” Grant’s bio for the series reads. “The adventurous day trader, who captured the hearts of Bachelor Nation with his genuine desire to build a future centered around family, will be handing out roses when his season premieres next year on ABC.”
The bio went on to add that Grant is a “self-proclaimed mama’s boy” with an “infectious smile and unwavering positivity.” When he’s not working, Grant can be found cheering on the Lakers, bowling or enjoying a night of karaoke. As for what Grant considers to be an ideal match for him, he “hopes to find a partner who shares his values of loyalty, humor and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.”
Grant also opened up about what he looks for in a partner shortly after his new role was revealed during an August 2024 episode of the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast with former Bachelor stars Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt.
“I want somebody who has a heart for other people,” Grant said at the time. “I want somebody who has a heart for other people, somebody who’s not self-absorbed, somebody who is affectionate, who’s kind. Obviously a beautiful woman, but I’m super open in this process, because I know that — just through life experience — that sometimes, the best things come in the most unexpected ways.”
He continued, “So I’m just looking at what’s inside of a person, and I’m really going to be getting to know these women, asking them questions and I’m gonna discover myself, but they’re also gonna discover themselves in this process.”
The Bachelor season 29 premieres on Monday, January 27, at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC.
