Big Brother Evictee Speaks Out After Shocking Exit

WARNING: This article contains details from the most recent August 14th episode of “Big Brother” Season 27.

Zach Cornell, a 27-year-old marketing manager from Cartersville, Georgia, says he’s still reeling after his eviction on Thursday night’s “Big Brother“. After 38 days inside the house, Cornell found himself voted out 8-2 over Vince Panaro — a decision made all the more painful because it came from someone he thought was a trusted ally.

“I’m numb. That’s the best way I can describe it,” Cornell said in an interview with GoldDerby after leaving the game. “Everything you’re thinking about is game sense, game strategy, how to improve relationships… I literally had a dream last night and I was still in the Big Brother house.”

Cornell was blindsided when Ava Pearl, who he’d previously saved in Week 1, nominated him. “She promised me she was not going to put me up,” he recalled. Still, he holds no ill will toward her, even joking, “I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life, but I will be smoking one with Ava because she’s just that type of person to me.”

Strategic Gamble Backfires in “Big Brother” Block Buster

Cornell revealed he had a secret power that could have saved him from eviction, but he opted not to use it in order to protect his ally Morgan Pope. His plan was to win the Veto, give it to Vince, then activate the power to remove himself from the block — but things fell apart when he lost the Block Buster competition to Keanu Soto.

“If Keanu was sitting up against either myself or Vince, we would’ve been one hundred percent fine,” Cornell said. “There was only one road this week that could have killed me, and unfortunately, it was exactly the road I went down.”

Cornell added that the week’s events left him “shell shocked” from start to finish. “Nobody said I was potentially going home. My game plan was set, and I thought I’d be fine. Clearly, I played the game too selflessly,” he admitted.

Zach Cornell’s Emotional Goodbye and Game Predictions

Cornell described his final moments with host “Big Brother 27” Julie Chen Moonves as “iconic,” laughing about being smacked on the head during their on-air goodbye. “It was a high risk, high reward — high risk, high stupidity — whatever you want to say,” he said. “I love Julie. My mom and dad love Julie. I was able to save her on Day 1, and I got the full experience.”

Looking ahead, he believes new Head of Household Rachel could drastically change the game. “Mickey Lee is in the best position right now,” Cornell said, noting that her strong relationships across the house could carry her to the end — unless Rachel decides to target her. As for who he’s rooting for from the jury, Cornell hopes to see Vince, Morgan, Mickey, Lauren, or Will take home the grand prize.