Dancing with the Stars will return for its 24th season with an athlete — gymnast Laurie Hernandez — as the competition’s defending champion.
Could another athlete take home the disco ball trophy? Here are our odds on who could do it.
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Simone Biles — 2/1
Why she’ll win: If we gave Hernandez 4/1 odds last year for a combination of off-the-charts athleticism, popularity and history (fellow gymnast Shawn Johnson won DWTS in 2009), double that for Biles. Also, there’s this:
Why she won’t: There’s really no huge reason that stands out. Look out, fellow athletes.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Rashad Jennings — 6/1
Why he’ll win: Former NFL players have fared extremely well in the dance competition. He might have learned a thing or two from ex-Giants teammates like Odell Beckham Jr. … but most important of all is we know he can move:
Why he won’t: If the show is a popularity contest, Jennings isn’t as big of a name as past contestants like Antonio Brown, Hines Ward or Emmitt Smith. But let’s remember Donald Driver won a DWTS title.
(Getty)
Nancy Kerrigan — 8/1
Why she’ll win: The former skating star is still popular among sports fans and was quite an athlete in her Olympic days.
Why she won’t: Can she keep up with younger competitors? The same can be asked of her Major League counterpart below.
Bonner Bolton — 9/1
Why he’ll win: Southern charm and good looks are a great combination for the pro bull rider and model. He’s also got the athleticism that comes with riding snarling bulls for a living, and an astounding backstory after he was paralyzed from the neck down and recovered post-surgery.
Why he won’t: How much dancing experience does he have? And can he match up with more recognizable athletes? If the answer to both is “no,” then he might have trouble.
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
Mr. T. — 10/1
Why he’ll win: I pity the fool who doubts Mr. T!! Aside from being one of the most loveable celebrities on Earth, he still looks huge. That’s got to mean he’s stayed in shape, right?
Why he won’t: Just watch this. Prediction? “Pain.”
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
David Ross — 14/1
Why he’ll win: Hey, baseball players are athletes too! And this is a 39-year-old coming off one of the more improbable postseasons in recent history, becoming the oldest player to hit a dinger in a World Series Game 7. Momentum and a city thankful that he helped bring a title back to Wrigleyville might give him a serious boost.
Why he won’t: That pesky age concern — he’s “Grandpa Rossy” after all. He’s turning 40 later this month. And how are those knees after all that catching?
