TAMUC Alum Becomes Three-Time ‘Jeopardy!’ Champion

Two people shake hands and pose for a photo

Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni Jared Watson was selected to compete on the popular trivia game show “Jeopardy!” and amassed a three-game win streak. Watson’s episodes, which were taped earlier in the year, aired in June 2023. Watson, a Quinlan, Texas native, previously attended A&M-Commerce in the mid 2000s to study music. He dropped out to pursue a professional music career, but later returned to A&M-Commerce and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism in 2011. Watson reportedly attempted to get on the show for several years before finally being chosen. His first “Jeopardy!” victory was described by the Dallas Morning News as one of the greatest comebacks in the storied history of the game after he bounced back from a several-thousand dollar deficit to the leaders following the first round to eventually take home the win. He won his next two games before being defeated by a margin of just $200 in his fourth game. Watson now hopes to compete in the “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions. Read a Dallas Morning News profile of Watson.

Update: Jared’s journey didn’t end there! Keep up with his ongoing journey on the game show!

(Pictured: TAMUC alum Jared Watson (right) with “Jeopardy!” host Mayim Bialik)