Meet Grant Ellis, the NJ native starring in Season 29 of 'The Bachelor'

Meet Grant Ellis, a New Jersey native and the next lead of "The Bachelor."

Bachelor Nation has gotten to know Ellis, 30, throughout the current season of "The Bachelorette," in which fellow Garden State native Jenn Tran has the leading role.

He scored his first and only one-on-one date with Tran, 26, during the show's Aug. 5 episode, but was ultimately sent home the following Monday, one week ahead of hometown dates.

Following his departure, ABC announced Ellis as the official lead for the next season of "The Bachelor," which is expected to premiere in 2025.

Here is everything you need to know about Ellis ahead of his season of "The Bachelor."

'The Bachelor' Grant Ellis was raised in Newark

Although he currently lives in Houston, Texas, Ellis was raised in Newark. He graduated from Hudson Catholic Regional High School in Jersey City and went on to play basketball at Ionia University in New York.

During his college career he transferred, graduating from Alberta Magnus College in Connecticut and going on to play professional basketball overseas until an injury ended his career.

He currently works as a day trader.

Next 'Bachelor' is a self-proclaimed 'mama's boy'

According to his official ABC bio, Ellis is a self-proclaimed mama's boy with an infectious smile and unwavering positivity that "instantly brightens every room he enters."

During his time as a contestant on "The Bachelorette," Ellis opened up to Tran about his father who has a history of addiction and was fired from his job before filming began.

"This is, like the proudest I've ever been of my dad," he told Tran, during their one-on-one dinner date after a day of horseback riding in New Zealand. "He called me the next day, and said, 'I'm checking into rehab'. We had a talk, and he was like, 'Listen, son. This is the first time that you know the real me, when I'm not intoxicated.' So I'm really leaning into that. So now he's a little under two months sober."

Ellis later added that his mission in life is "to be the man my father wasn't."

According to this bio, he has a "genuine desire to build a future centered around family."

Ellis will be the second Black man to lead the show since its premiere in 2002. The first Black lead of "The Bachelor" was Matt James, who took on the leading role in June of 2020.

When he is not working in the world of finance, the former professional basketball player can be found cheering on the Lakers, hitting strikes at the bowling alley, or singing at karaoke night, according to his bio.

He first caught the attention of Bachelor Nation with his limo exit, where he beatboxed his way over to Tran singing, "It's nice to meet you; my name is Grant. We'll make all these guys so jealous cause at the end of the show we'll change your name to Mrs. Ellis."

According to his bio, Ellis is eager to embark on a journey "filled with romance, adventure and genuine connections."

His bio also says that he "hopes to find a partner who shares his values of loyalty, humor and a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures."

'Bachelor' Grant Ellis looking for 'kind and understanding' love

In a video posted by Ellis and Good Morning America following ABC's announcement, Ellis said that he is looking for a love that is "kind and understanding."

Some qualities he is looking for in a potential partner are somebody adventurous, affectionate and loving.

"I can't wait for this incredible journey to get kicked off," said Ellis. "It is going to be so fun, and I hope you guys tune in."

Fans quickly took to social media to express their excitement over ABC's bachelor pick, leaving comments like, "Omg I said to my husband last week, 'He would make an awesome bachelor!' Love him! Can't wait!"

"He deserves it. He's handled every situation on this show with class and emotional maturity. I'm looking forward to his season," said another commenter.

Other fans wasted no time asking how they can sign up to be one of the lucky contestants on Ellis' season.

Bachelor Nation is ready to watch as Grant Ellis gets the chance to hand out roses in 2025 when the 29th season of "The Bachelor" premieres on ABC.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Meet Grant Ellis, the NJ native starring in Season 29 of 'The Bachelor'