Hot Bachelor Hall Of Fame

The hottest bachelors and bachelorettes of all time: This Top 5 makes Houston swoon

Like most good ideas, the concept for CultureMap's Most Eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes got its start in a night of knocking back one too many drinks at a sketchy bar. Blame it on the alcohol buzz plus some eye candy hovering around us — that's how the ongoing feature came into the world.

Little did any of us know that the dating guide, originally slotted as a one-time photo essay, would gain such a loyal following. Two years, eight editions and 92 hunks and fetching gals later, the Most Eligible Bachelor and Bachelorette series is still keeping unattached Houstonians in the know and entertained while they search for their significant others.

Some found a match, others found true love and a select few even got hitched. We had our favorites and and so did you. Below are the five most buzzed about personalities who took a risk and put themselves out there, all in the name of love (or love right now).

Connor Barwin
Who would have guessed that the hunky former Houston Texans linebacker wanted a yoga instructor as his ideal better half? After we published this quirky tidbit, we heard there was a huge spike in yoga teacher program enrollment as ladies everywhere were dying to show the NFL stud their flexible asanas. Downward facing dog, anyone?

Rebecca Spera
Even though the glamorous TV reporter is officially off the market and planning a trip down the aisle, she stole the hearts of men all over town when her profile hit CultureMap. She's received the most clicks of any bachelor/bachelorette to date.

Don Vaughn
The neuroscientist, drummer and fashion model — seriously, is there anything this drop dead gorgeous chap doesn't do? — was featured just as he was named one of Cosmo's Bachelor of the Year. We saw him first. Dibs.

Jake Joseph
The underwear designer made it big after his CultureMap moment. He went on to raise more than $28,000 to fund his intimate apparel company for which he has received several accolades, including "best pair for travel" by Men's Health Magazine. What we all want to know is: Boxers or briefs, Jake?

Lawrence Clayton and Jason Cohen
Inside Edition recently came to town to showcase a select group of Houston hotties including Clayton and Cohen (as well as Vaughn) who were previously selected as CultureMap worthy. We know how to pick them. You're welcome.

CultureMap is celebrating its fifth birthday with a big party on Oct. 10 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the new JW Marriott Houston Downtown, with a portion of proceeds going to Casa de Esperanza. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.

Inside Edition

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a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo