Brendan Shapiro - Teacher [Malolo]
Didn't expect him to be a long-time fan. He's too valuable to get rid of early, but he also stands out as a leader, which is gonna make him a clear threat down the road.
Past player he's most like: LJ McKanas
Most likely to: Be a casual favorite.
Desiree Afuye - Fashion diva [Naviti]
She's a colorful character and very likable. It seems like she's been through a lot too. There's no secrets with her, she'll wear her heart on her sleeve, but I could still see her end up being underestimated.
Past player she's most like: Michaela Bradshaw
Most likely to: Give killer soundbites and reaction shots.
Bradley Kleihege - Law student [Naviti]
Oh dear, Bradley! You have all the tools to do well - smart, knowledgeable about the game, competent enough physically - but it seems like your arrogance is gonna be your own worst enemy. At least he's somewhat self-aware about it though.
Past player he's most like: Sash Lenahan
Most likely to: Bomb at FTC after an otherwise solid game.
Jenna Bowman - Pretty blonde [Malolo]
Jenna's very attractive and seems nice, but I didn't get a ton out of her video. She's chill enough to go under the radar if she doesn't get tossed aside quickly. Already she's eyeing up hot guys, so expect a showmance.
Past player she's most like: Jessica Figueroa
Most likely to: Attach herself to a guy and ruin her game over it.
Donathan Hurley - Southern gay guy [Malolo]
There's something very endearing about Donathan, and his enthusiasm for Survivor is adorable. But whilst he's a nice guy, I'm not sure he has the life experience needed to gel with the older players.
Past player he's most like: Wes Nale
Most likely to: Provide the comic relief.
Morgan Ricke - Whale trainer [Naviti]
The two major things Morgan has going for her is her prowess in the water and being unphased by the elements. She has a loud, goofy personality that is not for everyone though. That being said, I liked her so maybe her tribe will too.
Past player she's most like: Ashley Nolan
Most likely to: Be disliked for no reason.
Domenick Abbate - Construction worker [Naviti]
Domenick says his best asset is knowing how people perceive him...that's a very important quality to have. He's saying all the right things and hints at bringing some unique strategies to the table. He mentions "stealing a parchment" for example...talk about ahead of his time! Could we see another hard-working family man win again?
Past player he's most like: Tony Vlachos
Most likely to: Get into an argument with someone over building the shelter.
Stephanie Gonzalez - The latina [Malolo]
Stephanie has the makings of an early boot to me, for several reasons. She's been an outsider her whole life, and she also seems like she could get into fights. She does however know the game a lot better than most people would expect.
Past player she's most like: Monica Padilla
Most likely to: Have a promising start and then flame out spectacularly.
Jacob Derwin - Nerdy superfan [Malolo]
I think Jacob is smart and will give the social game his best shot but he does mention being a loner in the past, so he might find it hard. "I just hope I don't end up sobbing on the beach" he says...I dunno, that might be entertaining.
Past player he's most like: Zeke Smith
Most likely to: Have a growth arc.
Chelsea Townsend - The cheerleader [Naviti]
I don't have much to say about her, but she gives off the popular girl vibe, so it's no surprise she compares herself to Parvati. Her EMT and athletic background should help her. Does she have the charm though? She didn't seem bitchy or anything, but she wasn't exactly warm and inviting either.
Past player she's most like: Chelsea Meissner
Most likely to: Get an invisible edit.
Wendell Holland - Furniture company owner [Naviti]
Wendell has a chill, laid-back vibe but he also says he's "more dynamic than he looks". He hits that sweet spot where he won't be targeted for being a threat or a liability. I'm expecting him to float by for a good while, but I don't see him as a power player.
Past player he's most like: Gervase Peterson
Most likely to: End up as the perpetual swing vote.
Stephanie Johnson - Athletic mom [Malolo]
Walking into the game with bright colored clothes, Stephanie is awesome and she knows it. She better hope she's not too intimidating though or that'll see her go fast, but she's fit, has a lot of life experience and is a fan of the show.
Past player she's most like: Monica Culpepper
Most likely to: Go on an immunity streak.
James Lim - Harvard graduate [Malolo]
Considering he admitted to not being a long-time fan, he seemed to know his stuff. With an Ivy League education and a running background, he should be pretty well-rounded. He feels a little gamebotty, maybe to his detriment, but I liked him.
Past player he's most like: Yul Kwon
Most likely to: Have multiple strategic confessionals about "keeping my options open".
Kellyn Bechtold - Consultant [Naviti]
Fresh from coming off a six-month marriage, Kellyn is my dark horse pick this season. I think she has the ability to stay under the radar at first, and then make cutthroat moves when necessary.
Past player she's most like: Liz Markham
Most likely to: Not be well-remembered after the season.
Chris Noble - Model [Naviti]
I thought Chris would be the cast member I didn't care about, but he has a pretty sweet story about reconnecting with his mom, who has MS. That's all I got from him though...he seems like an airhead that doesn't know much about the game.
Past player he's most like: JP Hilsabeck
Most likely to: Form an all-guys alliance and insist on "keeping the tribe strong".
Laurel Johnson - Student [Malolo]
Laurel says she's out of her element in the jungle, but has a lot of confidence in every other area of the game. I think she's capable of doing well, but insisting she's smarter than everyone else might lead to her underestimating her opponents.
Past player she's most like: Aubry Bracco
Most likely to: Be a robbed what-could've-been early boot.
Michael Yerger - The teenager [Malolo]
I was so relieved when he said he was going to lie about his age, so he's off to a good start in my book. I was pretty impressed with him and think he can defy expectations.
Past player he's most like: Will Wahl
Most likely to: Make a BIG MOVE.
Angela Perkins - Military mom [Naviti]
The oldest woman in the cast at a whopping 42, Angela is already breaking out the military analogies and talking up her work ethic. She's at risk of being an early boot on first impressions, but if they give her a chance, she could go very far.
Past player she's most like: Sherri Biethman
Most likely to: Have an inspirational moment.
Sebastian Noel - Fisherman [Naviti]
Wow, he's...not actually a douchebag. He has a fun goofiness to him that will help his social game, and I'm sure the fishing aspect won't hurt either pre-merge. I guess we'll see if he can rise above the stereotypes of the surfer dude to be a contender.
Past player he's most like: Jud Birza
Most likely to: Get blindsided.
Libby Vincek - Southern belle [Malolo]
One of the few recruits this season, Libby might find that a bigger disadvantage than usual once the twists start coming. But she's pleasant and uncontroversial, so I think she has the social game to get in with people. Her longevity will depend on choosing the right people to team up with.
Past player she's most like: Jessica Johnston
Most likely to: Be well-insulated in a strong alliance and then get voted out anyway because "she'd never have an idol".