Are Survivor favorites Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz headed back to the show... again?

Speculation about the inclusion of these veteran players has increased because CBS released the name of 16 cast members today for Survivor: Redemption Island. The mystery? There are 18 spots, and the two unfilled ones will go to men in order to balance out the genders.

While you ponder the possibility of another go-around with Rob and Russell, check out the confirmed cast members below. The new season kicks off on February 16.

• Andrea Boehlke, student, Random Lake, WI
• Mike Chiesl, former Marine, Del Mar, CA
• Matt Elrod, pre-med student, Nashville, TN
• Francesca Hogi, attorney, Washington DC
• Kristina Kell, law student, Malibu, CA
• Krista Klumpp, pharmaceutical rep, Columbia, SC
• Ralph Kiser, farmer, Lebanon, VA
• Grant Mattos, yoga instructor, West Hollywood, CA
• David Murphy, defense attorney, West Hollywood, CA
• Phillip Sheppard, technology executive, Santa Monica, CA
• Natalie Tenerelli, professional dancer, Acton, CA
• Ashley Underwood, nurse, Benton, ME
• Stephanie Valencia, waitress, Long Beach, CA
• Sarita White, visual effects producer, Santa Monica, CA
• Julie Wolfe, firefighter, Oceanside, CA
• Steve Wright, former NFL player, Huntington Beach, CA

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.