Next ‘Bachelor’ Luke Pell? ABC Promotes ‘Bachelorette’ Star At CMA Fest, Big Reveal Expected On ‘After Paradise’ Live Show

Bachelorette contestant Luke Pell is a fan favorite this season with his gentle demeanor and drama-free storyline, and it’s clear why he is one of JoJo Fletcher’s frontrunners. Only one of her guys will get the final rose this season, but as a consolation prize, one of her rejected suitors will be picked as the next Bachelor — is Luke Pell that guy?

[Warning: Bachelorette Spoilers ahead]

Luke, 31, had his first one-on-one date with JoJo last week and instantly became one of her frontrunners. Although blogger Reality Steve initially stated that Pell would make it to the overnight dates as one of JoJo’s final three guys, he recently revised his spoilers to reflect that Luke was eliminated in April after filming his hometown date.

Although he doesn’t get JoJo’s final rose, it’s clear that ABC has Luke in mind when it comes to picking the next Bachelor. The network is already promoting the former U.S. Army officer and singer-songwriter at various events, including a meet-and-greet at ABC’s Red Carpet Party at the Country Music Awards Fan Fair X this weekend.

Putting that extra effort in promoting one of JoJo’s guys so early in the season is a major hint that fans may see Luke Pell handing out roses as the Season 21 Bachelor in January 2017.

Although it’s not a done deal, blogger Reality Steve states that “Luke is the frontrunner” for the gig and the story he told JoJo during their date touched her heart and the fans — something that gives him an edge over two other contenders — Chase McNary and Robby Hayes.

During the date, Luke explained to JoJo that he got recruited to play football at West Point, graduated, and then went into the military as a lieutenant and served in Afghanistan where he was responsible for a number of soldiers’ lives. He went on to tell JoJo that his close friend Jason, who he recently paid tribute to on Instagram, was killed in action in 2010.

“Every #MemorialDay for me is about keeping CPT Jason Holbrook’s legacy alive,” Luke captioned his Instagram post. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice Aug 2010 in Afghanistan…. Jason and I played football in the church parking lot growing up, graduated from Burnet High School, and he was like a big brother to me at #WestPoint.”

Luke’s easy-going personality and impressive backstory is a refreshing change from all of the Chad drama that has been controlling the storyline of this season’s Bachelorette. Chances are there are already women across the nation who are applying to become a contestant on the next season of the Bachelor in hopes that Pell gets picked to be the lead.

According to Reality Steve, there is a strong possibility that host Chris Harrison will introduce Luke as the next Bachelor during a live After Paradise show this summer, much like he did with Ben Higgins last year.

“Fast forward to late August/early September during an episode of “After Paradise” and the announcement from Chris Harrison saying, ‘Ladies and gentleman…our next Bachelor…Luke Pell!’ Obviously we’re still a ways away from that, and nothing has been decided, but it’s pretty clear he’s a front runner for the gig… with that backstory, can’t be too surprised if he gets the gig, can we?”

Spoilers indicate that contestant Robby Hayes is JoJo’s runner up and Chase McNary leaves in third place after the overnight dates, making them both possible candidates for the Bachelor gig. However, with ABC already inviting Luke Pell to events where he gets to meet fans, it sure sounds like he’s next in line to hand out roses.

Can’t stop dissecting this season’s trailer! #TheBachelorette https://t.co/WA7zLboSAx

— The Bachelorette (@BacheloretteABC) May 24, 2016

[Image via ABC Television Network]