Ben Higgins Reveals Why He’s Excited For Colton Underwood To Be The Bachelor

Former Bachelor Ben Higgins is standing up for Colton Underwood, because frankly, not many others are! Though Colton was announced as the next leading man a few weeks ago, some fans were definitely upset it wasn’t Jason Tartick or Blake Horstmann instead.

While Colton may not have won the popular vote, Ben opened up about why he’s excited to watch the 26-year-old on the next season of The Bachelor on his website, The Mahogany Workplace.

One of the major reasons Ben is excited to watch Colton is because he feels like we still don’t really know him as a person quite yet.

“We watched him on The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise — but we still don’t fully know Colton. After spending time with him off-camera, I can say he truly is an enigma,” he said.

“Colton is just beginning to find himself as a person. He’s only 26 years old, after all. And I think this will give us the chance to watch his true nature unfold.”

The Denver native is also ready for Colton because of his past as a football player and NFL athlete.

“Colton has told me (and expressed in many interviews) he’s established and accomplished goals his whole life,” Ben shared.

“This is especially evident in his football career; from high school to college to the pros, he’s set physical goals and career goals… and then he’s achieved them. I don’t doubt he’ll apply goal-setting in his own way on The Bachelor.”

Not to mention thanks to his time on both The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, Colton is comfortable undergoing a transformation.

“On the other hand, Colton is ready to transcend his goal-oriented lifestyle. In the past, he’s been the person others want him to be,” Ben expressed.

“As The Bachelor, he’ll be doing what he wants for the first time in many ways. And we get to watch. Personally, I think when you start to grow as a person it’s a great time to incorporate a partner.”

Though he’s ready for Colton, Ben also shared some sound advice for the Season 23 leading man.

“Stay strong. Stay independent. And stand up for yourself. Do this for yourself and the woman you’ll end up with. Don’t be afraid to choose a clear path for yourself; it’s not selfish,” he said.

“Also, Chris Harrison once gave me this advice: Use The Bachelor to enhance the life you already have; not change your life completely. It was super helpful for me, and I’m passing that lesson along to the new bachelor. Good luck, Colton! I’m rooting for you!”