26 year-old former professional football player Colton Underwood first appeared to “Bachelor Nation” on season 14 of “The Bachelorette,” with fan-favorite Becca Kufrin as the Bachelorette herself. Underwood was sent home before the fantasy suites, which contributed heavily to one of the main plot points of the season — Colton’s virginity. Despite the heartbreak that occurred on Colton’s end, he is back and claims to be ready for love as the leading man on ABC’s 23rd season of “The Bachelor.”

I think Colton is a likable guy. He is kind and nonconfrontational, has a fun yet somewhat reserved personality, works with children and is obviously good looking. However, I still do not think he is ready to be the Bachelor.

His commitment issues have become evident in the past on both “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise” through drama with his ex-fling Tia Booth, who appeared alongside Becca Kufrin on season 22 of “The Bachelor.” At just 26 years old, there is nothing wrong with not being ready to settle down, but I think Colton is in denial about his unreadiness.

The possibility that Colton is going to struggle as the Bachelor has already been revealed. One of the main previews for the season shows Colton climbing and jumping over a fence much taller than him and running away. The video has become a social media meme already, but aside from the humorous aspect of it, what is Colton running from? I think it could likely be him running away out of fear, anger or sadness because something does not go as planned. Viewers can assume he is not running from anything because he is in actual danger, considering how secure the mansion is.

The women on Colton’s season are an assortment of characters themselves. We hear one story about a contestant’s imprisoned mother, while one woman brought her dog on the first night, and there have already been plenty of tears and confrontation. It seems to be a more dramatic group than on the last season of “The Bachelor,” which is saying something considering that the bachelor franchise is known for drama. This is likely because this group of women is younger as Colton is only 26, and the last bachelor, Arie Luyendyk Jr., was 36. There are a few women who I could see being compatible with Colton, but a lot of them might as well just leave the show from the start.

So, is Colton really ready for marriage? In my opinion, I do not particularly think so. On the other hand, am I ready for the show to stop making overused virgin jokes? Yes, I am.

_The Bachelor airs on ABC Mondays at 7 p.m. CST._

_Edited by Joe Cross | jcross@themaneater.com_