‘Big Brother’ Alums React to ‘All-Stars’ Cast, Make Predictions for Season 22 (Exclusive)

Credit: Shutterstock; Andy Herren;Instagram; James Rhine/Instagram; Jun Song;Instagram

'Big Brother' Alums React to 'All-Stars' Cast, Make Predictions for Season 22

They may not be playing, but they have opinions! Now that the cast of the highly anticipated Big Brother: All-Stars season was finally revealed during the Wednesday, August 5, premiere, Us Weekly reached out to past winners and players to get their reactions to this summer's houseguests. [ami-related id="1828255" url="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/big-brother-winners-where-are-they-now-photos/" title="‘Big Brother’ Winners: Where Are They Now?" target="_blank" thumb="false" imgsrc="https://www.usmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Will-Kirby-Big-Brother-Where-Are-They-Now.jpg" imgid="1828245" format="gallery" flag="" channel="9"] The season 22 cast includes seasons 6 and 7 favorite Kaysar Ridha; seasons 6, 7 and 14 legend Janelle Pierzina; season 8 runner-up and season 13 returnee Daniele Donato; season 10's Keesha Smith and runner-up Memphis Garrett; season 11's Kevin Campbell; season 12's Enzo Palumbo; season 14 winner Ian Terry; season 16 runner-up Cody Calafiore; season 18 winner and season 16 player Nicole Franzel; seasons 17 and 18 fave Da’Vonne Rogers; season 19 player Christmas Abbott; season 20's Bayleigh Dayton and Tyler Crispen; and season 21 first boot David Alexander and fan favorite Nicole Anthony. [ami-related id="1176615" url="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/big-brother-showmances-through-the-years/" title="'Big Brother' Showmances Through the Years: Where Are They Now?" target="_blank" thumb="false" imgsrc="https://www.usmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/jeff-and-jordan-and-jessica-and-cody.jpg" imgid="1176591" format="gallery" flag="" channel="9"] The all-star season, which Us Weekly exclusively revealed on June 7, was seemingly up in the air for a while as cases of the novel coronavirus increased in parts of the country, specifically in Los Angeles where production is located. But CBS is ensuring the safety of houseguests by having them "undergo a quarantine period" prior to the game and "once inside, they will be tested weekly during the season and have no contact with any crew members, and all supplies delivered will be disinfected." The crew will also be quarantined, according to a CBS statement, and Thursday evictions will no longer feature a live studio audience. [ami-related id="1827635" url="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/big-brother-villains-through-the-years-where-are-they-now/" title="'Big Brother' Villains Through the Years: Where Are They Now?" target="_blank" thumb="false" imgsrc="https://www.usmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Big-Brother-Villians-Where-Are-They-Now.jpg" imgid="1827616" format="gallery" flag="" channel="9"] We caught up with former winners like season 15 winner Andy Herren, season 4 winner Jun Song, season 13 winner Rachel Reilly, original All-Stars player James Rhine and more to get their take on how the cast stacks up. Who are they rooting for? Who do they see as the first boot? Big Brother: All-Stars airs on CBS Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Scroll down to see what former players think of the new all-star cast!

Credit: Shutterstock; Andy Herren;Instagram; James Rhine/Instagram; Jun Song;Instagram

'Big Brother' Alums React to 'All-Stars' Cast, Make Predictions for Season 22

They may not be playing, but they have opinions! Now that the cast of the highly anticipated Big Brother: All-Stars season was finally revealed during the Wednesday, August 5, premiere, Us Weekly reached out to past winners and players to get their reactions to this summer's houseguests. [ami-related id="1828255" url="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/big-brother-winners-where-are-they-now-photos/" title="‘Big Brother’ Winners: Where Are They Now?" target="_blank" thumb="false" imgsrc="https://www.usmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Will-Kirby-Big-Brother-Where-Are-They-Now.jpg" imgid="1828245" format="gallery" flag="" channel="9"] The season 22 cast includes seasons 6 and 7 favorite Kaysar Ridha; seasons 6, 7 and 14 legend Janelle Pierzina; season 8 runner-up and season 13 returnee Daniele Donato; season 10's Keesha Smith and runner-up Memphis Garrett; season 11's Kevin Campbell; season 12's Enzo Palumbo; season 14 winner Ian Terry; season 16 runner-up Cody Calafiore; season 18 winner and season 16 player Nicole Franzel; seasons 17 and 18 fave Da’Vonne Rogers; season 19 player Christmas Abbott; season 20's Bayleigh Dayton and Tyler Crispen; and season 21 first boot David Alexander and fan favorite Nicole Anthony. [ami-related id="1176615" url="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/big-brother-showmances-through-the-years/" title="'Big Brother' Showmances Through the Years: Where Are They Now?" target="_blank" thumb="false" imgsrc="https://www.usmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/jeff-and-jordan-and-jessica-and-cody.jpg" imgid="1176591" format="gallery" flag="" channel="9"] The all-star season, which Us Weekly exclusively revealed on June 7, was seemingly up in the air for a while as cases of the novel coronavirus increased in parts of the country, specifically in Los Angeles where production is located. But CBS is ensuring the safety of houseguests by having them "undergo a quarantine period" prior to the game and "once inside, they will be tested weekly during the season and have no contact with any crew members, and all supplies delivered will be disinfected." The crew will also be quarantined, according to a CBS statement, and Thursday evictions will no longer feature a live studio audience. [ami-related id="1827635" url="https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/big-brother-villains-through-the-years-where-are-they-now/" title="'Big Brother' Villains Through the Years: Where Are They Now?" target="_blank" thumb="false" imgsrc="https://www.usmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Big-Brother-Villians-Where-Are-They-Now.jpg" imgid="1827616" format="gallery" flag="" channel="9"] We caught up with former winners like season 15 winner Andy Herren, season 4 winner Jun Song, season 13 winner Rachel Reilly, original All-Stars player James Rhine and more to get their take on how the cast stacks up. Who are they rooting for? Who do they see as the first boot? Big Brother: All-Stars airs on CBS Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Scroll down to see what former players think of the new all-star cast!

Credit: Shutterstock

Rachel Reilly (seasons 12,13 winner)

Us: What is your overall opinion of the cast? Any surprises for you?

RR: I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THE CAST! I have made relationships with a lot of the cast and I think its an EPIC cast they are going to be amazing players! I think we will see a season where they all came to play the game. I am surprised Kaysar is back but OMG I CANT WAIT TO SEE HIM! I also love that him and Janelle have such a strong friendship over 14 years! I think Kaysar could do really well this season. I am only surprised bc its been 14 years for him.

Us: Who has the best chance of going far and potentially winning? Why?

RR: I would say maybe Kevin Campbell could win. He's so likable and he's good at comps. We saw in season 11 he's never in the middle of anything, but he's always playing the game. I also could see a Janelle or Kaysar win! I think David could go far because no one really knows how he is going to play. He is the only one we haven't seen play and he has never had to burn anyone!

Us: Who should be the first target? Why?

RR: I would target Nicole F because she's a previous winner and every time we see her on a game show she turns on people. She can't be trusted. Also, with that being said, it would be easy to nominate Nicole F and Ian and say you nominated them because they are the only previous winners on the season. No one would be mad! Plus, it's a great way to use a first HOH!

Us: Will you be watching the show? What about the feeds? 

RR: OMG I AM A HUGE BB FAN! I was a fan first and I cant wait to see how this season plays out!

Us: Who are you rooting for and why?

RR: I am rooting for the first Big Girls Alliance! I am crossing fingers we see Janelle and Danielle and Bayleigh and Da'Vonne team up and take it far! The female players are really strong this season and could go really far together!!!!!! I am majorly wishing I was on the season! (heheh)

Credit: Courtesy of Andy Herren/Instagram

Andy Herren (season 15 winner)

Us: What is your overall opinion of the cast? Any surprises for you?

AH: The cast is FANTASTIC. The only people I would swap out are Memphis, Tyler, and Cody because I'm worried they'll bro up and try to take out women. I am truly so thrilled that we don't have any problematic former houseguests like Jeff, Cody, Caleb, or Dick. And this cast is so diverse! Ugh I love it!!! Keeha was also an AWESOME surprise! I truly thought I would never see her play again.

Us: Who has the best chance of going far and potentially winning? Why?

AH: Dani Donato has the best chance of going far and winning because she is my close friend and she's hungry for it. I'm going to will this into existence.

Us: Who should be the first target? Why?

AH: Tyler should be the first target, but he won't be. Cody will definitely want to work with him. Ugh.

Us: Will you be watching the show? What about the feeds?

AH: I will be watching the show and keeping up with the feeds.

Us: Who are you rooting for and why?

AH: I will be rooting for the people I know and like in real life: Dani, Ian, Nicole Anthony, Janelle, Nicole Franzel. And basically all the women.

Credit: Courtesy of James Rhine/Instagram

James Rhine (seasons 6,7)

Us: What is your overall opinion of the cast? Any surprises for you?

JR: I really like the cast. CBS and Robyn Kass did a great job considering the pandemic, all the pregnancies and big kid jobs that caused a lot to decline. It's hard to pick a favorite and most have done something to deserve another shot. No idea why Christmas is there though.

Us: Who has the best chance of going far and potentially winning? Why?

JR: Kaysar or Kevin are my initial thoughts. I love the game players in the house, but those two I think will sit back, lay low, and pull some strings instead of charging into battle. The game has shifted since the first All-Stars and going hardcore gets you sent packing.

Us: Who should be the first target? Why?

JR: Anyone but yourself. First week is the scariest and no one wants to be evicted first, so it doesn't matter as long as it's not you or a friend. With no Dan, Derrick, Vanessa, or Dr. Will in there I think it'll make week 1 targeting more difficult.

Us: Will you be watching the show? What about the feeds?

JR: I will be watching the show and tweeting incessantly about it. Live Feeds, for sure. Most of this cast are good friends and I'm excited for them.

Us: Who are you rooting for to win and why?

JR: Obviously my BB6/All-Stars Janelle and Kaysar. Love Ian, Bayleigh, and Daniele. Most of the old school players, for sure, just because ... but I'm also happy to watch some good game play and hopefully a season to rival the great ones.

Credit: Courtesy of Jun Song/Instagram

Jun Song (season 4 winner)

Us: What is your overall opinion of the cast? Any surprises for you?

JS: Super impressed with the cast, but I have no idea who David is and I’m OK with that. Each of them have a place on the cast even if you don’t agree with all the picks. It’s a TRIP seeing how some of my fellow alum have aged over the years. It’s like seeing them put through some old age filter.

Us: Who has the best chance of going far and potentially winning? Why?

JS: I can see Cody or Kevin redeeming themselves and taking a win this season. If Christmas is at 100 percent health then she’ll kill comps and also be ideal to take to final two because she doesn’t have guaranteed popularity votes in the jury (but, depending on how salty the jury is, she might pull out enough votes to win).

Us: Who should be the first target? Why?

JS: The person who’s in good with most of the house needs to go, but I don’t see that happening because most of these people care too much about what others think about them. I’d knock out Tyler or Cody first and make a big statement to kick off the season.

Us: Will you be watching the show? What about the feeds?

JS: I won’t be watching, unfortunately. But I’ll be keeping an eye on from a distance, and checking my Twitter mentions regularly. Diehard fans are really good at keeping me updated on what’s good on the feeds!

Us: Who are you rooting for and why?

JS: My son Noah was a Tyler fan when we followed most of season 20. So I know Noah will be rooting for Tyler. It’s really tough for me to choose just one person to root for because I have strong feelings about so many people on this cast! But I think ultimately, I’m gonna root for Dani, Da’Vonne and Kevin.

Credit: Courtesy of Matt Hoffman/Instagram

Matt Hoffman (season 12)

Us: What is your overall opinion of the cast? Any surprises for you?

MH: I'm definitely surprised they dug up a good handful of people who were from seasons prior to the original All-Stars. I was expecting an entire cast of Instagram influencers who would gladly take 100,000 more social media followers over the title of BB All-Stars Champion.

Us: Who has the best chance of going far and potentially winning? Why?

MH: Twists are everything. If BB keeps it pure and relies predominantly on gameplay, the hard-bodied 20-somethings are in for a rude awakening when they have to play alongside all the old-schoolers who are straight-up gamers at their core. But if BB starts mucking everything up with surprise/secret advantages and disadvantages, forget about it. The integrity is ruined, and is the "winner" really the best "player" at that point? ... maybe/maybe not.

Us: Who should be the first target? Why?

MH: David. 100 percent. He won't be the first target, but he should be. Why is he there? There's been 21 first boots ... what makes him significant? BB totally did Jodi Rollins (S14) dirty in her first-booting, and then they continue to use her likeness (but not "her") nearly every season, seemingly in a joking/mocking way. If I was Jodi, that wouldn't be funny to me. Then, after exploiting their screwing-over of her, season after season (including during last night's premiere, if you caught it quickly), BB doesn't invite her back as the first boot option?? Insulting. On the season I was on (S12) our first boot Annie Whittington was the literal twist of the season ... but somehow David is the first boot they bring back? Mind you, I'm not picking on David ... I don't think any first boot should be back in the house in an "All-Star" capacity. But if they insisted on having one, why him? There's so many better first boot options that actually made an impact in the game. I'm certain he's a great guy, but ... bye-bye.

Us: Will you be watching the show? What about the feeds?

MH: Oh, you bet I'll be watching! I'm disturbingly addicted, regardless of what a trashy dumpster fire this program has devolved into over time. I don't have the live feeds, but like the obsessive maniac that I am, I read all the timestamped live feed blogs daily to keep up.

Us: Who are you rooting for and why?

MH: I'm all about the classics! Kaysar, Keesha, Memphis, etc ... anyone pre-s15, I'd be happy to see take the victory.

Credit: Courtesy of Jessie Godderz

Jessie Godderz a.k.a Mr. PEC-Tacular (seasons 10,11)

Us: What is your overall opinion of the cast? Any surprises for you?

JG: I think the cast is AMAZING! With former players such as Cody, Tyler, Memphis, Bayleigh, Nicole F., Janelle and Ian in the game this time around, it's more intriguing than ever before and their gameplay can go in so many different directions. It'll be especially interesting to see what tricks former early evictees (and excellent players) David and Da'Vonne have up their sleeve to avoid early elimination because if they could survive the first few weeks, they could fall off everyone's radar and then go very far in the game. There's an awesome mix of very strong players who have a good shot at taking home the grand prize this time around. In my opinion, the houseguests who were evicted early last time should all team up together and then bring into their alliance 1 or 2 very strong veterans who went all the way last time (or nearly all the way) because I think that type of very unusual alliance combination would probably go unsuspected. That way, they could fly under the radar for a very long time while helping each other maneuver through the game.

As for who I'm surprised to see return, I guess my answer would be Keesha (my fellow castmate from #BB10 and one of the stars of the most infamous fight in reality show history ... better known as "Keesha's Birthday")!!! That fight was an iconic piece of television history. It became like an SNL skit with everyone getting involved. It was an hysterical farce. It has something for everything. So ridiculously over-the-top, it was AWESOME!!! I remember it so well but didn't realize at the time how legendary it would become. I'm very happy that she's back. In my mind, it's a gigantic honor to even be asked to return to the game in the first place so I think everyone in the cast probably jumped at the opportunity to come home to BB. The thing I'm most surprised about is actually how incredibly fast the producers got up and running and back on the air ... during a PANDEMIC mind you. That's how amazing everyone at BB is. As I tell everyone, it's THE BEST show on TV for a myriad of reasons. They are, and always, will be my first TV family. I am very, very lucky and blessed to be part of one of the most iconic shows in the history of TV.

Us: Who has the best chance of going far and potentially winning? Why?

JG: I personally think Cody, Tyler and Memphis have the best chance of going very far in this game. They have a lot in common. They're all extraordinary game players and very easygoing, likable and friendly and all have a genuinely great heart. Plus, they're all competition beasts with incredibly strong social games too, so I think they have the best chance of pulling out the overall win in the end. If they team up (without anyone knowing they're a team), they'll be unstoppable. Mark my words. Final 3. C'mon now, taking one member of The Hitmen, one member of The Brigade and adding brilliant Tyler's gameplay to the mix, that's golden. Unstoppable. In fact, if I was in the house this year, that's exactly who I'd team up with. I predict we'd go down as the best faction in BB History. Honestly. But I digress. So where was I? Ah yes, I think other houseguests who could potentially go very far this season include Bayleigh, Nicole F., Janelle, and Ian. All phenomenal game players with the experience they need to win at all. Wouldn't it be crazy, though, if David won it all?! What a storybook ending that would make for the person eliminated first last season to come back and get the win this season??!!! #Karma

Us: Who should be the first target? Why?

JG: I think the first target should be ANY of the players who are not in my alliance and who I have no affiliation with (haha). I think the most dangerous houseguests are the ones who can get along with everyone. That's who I would go after first. The ones everybody likes. If I had to choose, based on first look and their opening bios, that might be Ian this season. He's very likable and comes across as everybody's best rriend. I think he'll be under everyone's radar for quite some time and that could be the downfall of many other houseguests this season.

Us: Will you be watching the show? What about the feeds?

JG: I will DEFINITELY be watching the show as always. I try not to ever miss an episode. The feeds, though, are much harder for me to keep up with because of work and family but I do try my best every season. On a personal note, I'm tremendously honored and beyond thrilled to be a part of the BB family for all these years. I feel so privileged to have more annual appearances/guest appearances on the show than any other Houseguest in history. I hope that record never gets broken. That means a lot to me.

Us: Who are you rooting for and why?

JG: I have many friends on the show so this is a very difficult question. I know a lot of them very, very well. If I had to choose though, I'm rooting for Cody, Tyler, Memphis, Bayleigh, Nicole F., Janelle, Da'Vonne, Dani and Keesha for the win since they are all amazing game players and deserve the victory (or in Nicole F's case, a second win). Yeah, I know that's over half the cast. If I had to choose only one though to go all the way, it would be tough but I'd have to go with my man Cody. I have the utmost respect for Cody and he's a very good friend and I think the world of him (and his brother Paulie too!). They're both ridiculously talented and just awesome people all around.

By the way, here's a fun piece of trivia, I costarred with Cody and Paulie in the Amazon sitcom New Dogs, Old Tricks, which was a spinoff of Cody's hit Sony feature film What Happened Last Night, written/directed/produced By Candy Cain. #TeamCody, #TeamTyler, and #TeamMemphis all the way!!