The Ultimate Crossover: Every Big Brother Cast Member Who Conquered The Amazing Race

The reality television landscape has been fundamentally reshaped by one of the most exciting and strategic crossovers in history: the migration of *Big Brother* houseguests to the globe-trotting competition of *The Amazing Race*. As of today, December 18, 2025, the phenomenon has reached its peak with an entire season dedicated to the *Big Brother* universe, showcasing whether the skills of social maneuvering, endurance, and mental fortitude translate from the confines of a single house to the vast, unpredictable world. The success and failures of these *BB* alums on the *Race* have created some of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments in the history of both franchises, proving that a $1 million prize is a powerful motivator, regardless of the game. The most recent and significant development is the unprecedented *Big Brother* takeover of a full season of *The Amazing Race*, officially Season 38, which saw a cast composed entirely of former houseguests and their loved ones. This move solidified the bond between the two CBS reality giants, turning a sporadic casting choice into a major, must-watch television event. From legendary showmances to recent winners, the star power and competitive spirit of the *BB* universe have never been more concentrated in one season of the *Race*, leading to high-stakes alliances, bitter rivalries, and a spectacular finish.

The Complete Roster: Big Brother Stars on The Amazing Race 38 (The Takeover)

The Amazing Race Season 38, often dubbed the "Big Brother Takeover" season, was a monumental event for fans, featuring 13 teams, each with a direct tie to the *Big Brother* franchise. This season was a true test of the *BB* contestants' ability to adapt their strategic gameplay to physical and mental challenges across multiple continents. The season culminated in a historic finish, with *Big Brother 25* winner Jag Bains and his brother Jas Bains taking home the $1 million prize. This victory made Jag Bains the first person to win both *Big Brother* and *The Amazing Race*, cementing his status as a reality TV legend. The complete list of *Big Brother* alumni and their partners who competed in this groundbreaking season includes a mix of winners, fan-favorites, and recent houseguests:

• Jag Bains (*BB25 Winner*) and Jas Bains (Brother) - Winners of TAR 38
• Taylor Hale (*BB24 Winner*) and Monte Taylor (Friend/BB24 Finalist)
• Chelsie Baham (*BB26 Winner*) and Jack Baham (Father)
• Joseph Abdin (*BB24*) and Adam Abdin (Brother)
• Hannah Chaddha (*BB23*) and Simone Chaddha (Sister)
• Angela Murray (*BB20*) and Lexi Murray (Daughter)
• Kat Dunn (*BB21*) and Paige Seber (Friend)
• Enzo Palumbo (*BB12, BB22*) and Jack Palumbo (Brother)
• Izzy Gleicher (*BB25*) and Paige Seber (Friend) - *Note: Paige raced with both Kat and Izzy in different legs due to a mid-race twist.*
• Natalie Negrotti (*BB18*) and James Huling (*BB17, BB18*) - *Raced as a pair of BB alums.*
• Kyland Young (*BB23*) and Tiffany Mitchell (*BB23*) - *Raced as a pair of BB alums.*
• Derek Frazier (*BB23*) and Claire Rehfuss (*BB23*) - *Raced as a pair of BB alums.*
• Xavier Prather (*BB23 Winner*) and Azah Awasum (*BB23*) - *Raced as a pair of BB alums.*

The Most Iconic Big Brother Crossovers in Amazing Race History

Before the full-cast takeover of Season 38, a handful of *Big Brother* showmances and alliances had already made the leap, proving the compatibility of the two games. These teams paved the way for the massive crossover event, often delivering spectacular performances and even claiming the grand prize.

The Hall of Fame: Big Brother Winners on The Amazing Race

The transition from the *Big Brother* house to the *Amazing Race* route is a difficult one, as the social game is replaced by physical and navigational challenges. However, several teams have not only adapted but thrived, with two teams of *BB* alumni winning the *Race*.

• Cody Nickson & Jessica Graf (Nickson): This *Big Brother 19* showmance, affectionately known as "Jody," is perhaps the most famous *BB* to *TAR* success story. After falling in love in the *BB* house, they competed on *The Amazing Race 30* and won the season. Their victory proved that the strategic and competitive drive honed on *Big Brother* could be a winning formula for the *Race*.
• Jag Bains & Jas Bains: As mentioned above, Jag Bains became the first person to win both *Big Brother* (BB25) and *The Amazing Race* (TAR38), a feat that may never be repeated. His strategic mind and physical prowess translated perfectly to the global competition.

Legendary BB Duos on the Race

Beyond the winners, several other high-profile *Big Brother* players have attempted the *Amazing Race*, often with mixed but memorable results. Their appearances highlight the tactical differences between the two shows.

• Rachel Reilly & Brendon Villegas (Brenchel): The ultimate *Big Brother* power couple, Rachel and Brendon competed on *The Amazing Race* twice (Seasons 20 and 24). Their high-energy, dramatic, and fiercely competitive style made them fan favorites, and they consistently performed well, even finishing in third place on *TAR 20*.
• Nicole Franzel & Victor Arroyo: This *Big Brother 18* couple, who later married, competed on *The Amazing Race 31*. Their appearance was highly anticipated, as both are strong strategic players. They finished in 4th place, demonstrating impressive consistency.
• Jeff Schroeder & Jordan Lloyd (JefJo): One of *Big Brother's* earliest and most beloved showmances (*BB11* and *BB13*), Jeff and Jordan competed on *The Amazing Race 16*. Their journey was a charming display of teamwork, though they were eliminated early, finishing 7th.
• Janelle Pierzina & Britney Haynes: Two of *Big Brother's* most iconic female players, Janelle and Britney teamed up for *The Amazing Race 31*. Known for their sharp wit and strategic minds, their partnership was a treat for fans, though they finished in 8th place.

Why Big Brother Strategy is the Secret Weapon on The Amazing Race

The crossover success of the *Big Brother* cast on *The Amazing Race* is not a coincidence; it is a direct result of the skills honed within the *BB* house. The intense, high-pressure environment of *Big Brother* prepares contestants for the *Race* in ways that are unique to the reality TV genre.

Endurance and Mental Fortitude

*Big Brother* houseguests spend months isolated, constantly competing in physical and mental challenges (HOH, Veto). This environment builds an incredible level of mental endurance and physical stamina, which are crucial for the non-stop, sleep-deprived nature of *The Amazing Race*. The ability to push through discomfort and maintain focus under duress is a direct transferrable skill.

The Social Game as a Tactical Advantage

While *The Amazing Race* is primarily a race, the element of forming alliances and managing relationships is still vital. *Big Brother* players, who are experts in social strategy, often excel at:

• Building Rapport: Quickly forming friendly relationships with locals or other teams to gain assistance or information, a skill critical for navigating unfamiliar countries.
• The U-Turn and Yield: The strategic use of the U-Turn or Yield on the *Race* is essentially a *Big Brother* nomination or backdoor. Players like Rachel Reilly and Cody Nickson understood the power of targeting threats and were not afraid to use these mechanisms.
• Reading People: Years of studying body language and social cues in the *BB* house allow them to better assess the trustworthiness or capabilities of their competition on the *Race*.

The success of teams like Cody and Jessica Nickson, and the unprecedented victory of Jag Bains in the takeover season, prove that the *Big Brother* alumni are more than just reality TV stars; they are formidable competitors whose strategic prowess makes them a constant threat to win the $1 million grand prize. The *Amazing Race Big Brother* crossover is now a permanent, thrilling fixture in reality television, promising more high-stakes drama and competitive excellence in the seasons to come.