Clayton Echard’s journey to find love continues. For the first time in two years, 31 women will arrive at the Bachelor Mansion to meet The Bachelor. For the past two years, Bachelor Nation has gone off-site because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clayton’s road to finding true love will be a memorable one. The ‘Midwestern boy from Missiouri’ will have a first evening full of ups, downs, and everything in between. Even before the first limo even arrives, a shocking franchise first will have Clayton clutching a rose and questioning everything.

Clayton first came onto the Bachelor Nation scene on Michelle Young’s season of ‘The Bachelorette.’ He finished in eighth place. It was reported in September 2021 that Clayton would be the Bachelor for season 26, but ABC didn’t confirm the news until November. Season 26 will premiere on January 3, 2022.

See photos of the 31 women hoping to fall in love with Clayton and learn more about them in our gallery.