Jaskaran Singh

Game Show Graduate: Jaskaran Singh on his Jeopardy championship, post-grad plans, and following your passions 

By Jacqueline Magno | Social Media Intern 

April 7, 2022

When Jaskaran Singh first watched Jeopardy! at six years old, he had no idea he would participate on the game show’s first National College Championship – much less take home the trophy with $250,000 under his belt. 

“It’s funny – my mom told me to try out for the show when I was 13, but I didn’t make it,” Singh recalled. “Then, in January of 2021, I took the online test and did a Zoom audition, which the producers do to make sure you’re amenable for TV and whatnot. Six months later, they gave me a call, did a couple interviews with me, and asked if I was interested. I said yes, and I flew out to tape the show right before Thanksgiving.” 

Singh said his experience being a contestant on a game show gave him unique insight into the world of show business. 

“I’d never done anything remotely related to television, so it was definitely a crazy experience. They put makeup on me; there were lights bearing down on us. There was even this point during taping when I was like, ‘Oh my god, this is going out to millions of people, so don’t do something stupid,’” he admitted with a laugh. “Now having gone through it, I have a newfound appreciation for people on TV.” 

He humorously recalls having to keep his Jeopardy! win a secret for the several months leading up to its premiere in February of 2022. 

“A lot of my friends here at university were really supportive of me, and they were some of the first people I told after I won,” he said. “I didn’t even tell my parents because I knew they’d get super excited, and who knows who they might have told?” 

Now, the senior economics and finance major is slowly adjusting to his new reputation on The Forty Acres. 

“I find myself in a lot more social situations now, and while I consider myself more introverted, it’s been great getting to know a bunch of people across campus,” Singh said, reflecting on the weeks following the Jeopardy! finale. “I’ve been to a couple UT basketball games. I get asked for pictures on my way to class – which has been both cool and strange. I still see myself as a normal guy, just like everybody else.”  

Beyond testing his trivia knowledge on national television, Singh has spent his time on campus exploring a wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities. 

“I’ve always loved to read, especially on topics like history, literature, and geography. I’m also in UT Quiz Bowl, which has been a fun time. A lot of what I learned there actually helped me prepare for being a contestant on Jeopardy!” 

He also enjoys watching 2000’s television shows in his free time. 

“My favorite show is The Sopranos, and I’m currently making my way through Mad Men,” he shared. 

Singh is currently completing his studies as an economics and finance double-major. After graduating in the spring, he plans to move to Dallas for work. 

“I have a job lined up with Boston Consulting Group in their Dallas office, so I’m looking forward to that. A lot of people there know who I am now because of Jeopardy!, so I like to think I’ve made a good first impression.” 

As a graduating senior, Singh encourages all students in the College of Liberal Arts to explore their academic passions here at UT. 

“I often regret not doing a major relating more to Liberal Arts. I was going to study history, but I was scared that I needed to study something more job-oriented,” he shared. “Now, I think doing what you love is extremely important, and everything that I’ve done in Liberal Arts has helped me towards that goal, especially in the spirit of intellectual curiosity and all those associated values. It’s just been a fantastic experience overall.” 

You can watch the first season of Jeopardy! National College Championship on Hulu.