When Josh Weikert, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at Immaculata University, stepped onto the Alex Trebek Stage in Culver City, California, he wasn’t chasing notoriety. A longtime fan of the TV gameshow “Jeopardy!,” he simply hoped to answer a few questions correctly and enjoy the surreal experience of standing behind the iconic lectern. What followed were six straight wins, more than $100,000 in prize money and national recognition that continues to shine a spotlight on him and Immaculata ahead of filming for the “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions (TOC) this December.
“The level of public recognition has been genuinely startling. Complete strangers have come up to say hello, offer their support, even ask for a selfie. It’s humbling to see how many people were watching and are pulling for me now,” Weikert said.
Since the episodes aired earlier this year, Weikert has received consistent—and sometimes humorous—feedback from the community. “The best thing was getting my name on the billboard at my local pizza place—everything else paled in comparison,” he joked. “About two or three times a week, someone will ask if I’m ‘Josh from Jeopardy!’ or shout encouragement as I walk by. The show really brings together a wide audience—from young children to retirees.”
Weikert’s six-game win streak automatically earned him a spot in the upcoming TOC, which will air in January 2026. This time, he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity to prepare.
“You only get about a month to prep before the regular show, so there’s really no time to do more than brush up on things you already know,” he said. “But with months to prepare for the tournament, I actually have time to learn new things.”
His study methods? Surprisingly low-tech, but highly effective. “Kids’ books from the library give you quick, digestible facts in context, which is great for memory retention,” he said. He also uses flashcards created by his wife and coach, Barbara, who quizzes him daily with questions from the “J! Archive,” a database of past “Jeopardy!” clues.
Still, he’s careful not to burn out. “I mix it up by watching movies based on history or literature, reading biographies or just diving into interesting topics. I study what’s fun.”
For Weikert, the most exciting part of the Tournament of Champions isn’t just the competition—it’s the chance to go back.
“For most contestants, you only get one shot on the Alex Trebek Stage,” he said. “The TOC is a chance to do it again. And I’m looking forward to seeing some of the friends I made during my original run.”
While he expects the competition to be more intense— “you’re all multi-game winners and the clues are tougher”—his approach remains the same: “Have fun, read the clue, buzz if you know it, repeat.”
With over $100,000 in winnings and national exposure, Weikert looks back on his “Jeopardy!” journey with joy and gratitude.
“It was the most fun I’ve ever had,” he said. “The taping moves so quickly that there’s no time to reflect in the moment. Five games are recorded per day, so you’re constantly changing outfits, redoing makeup and rushing back on stage.”
But the whirlwind was worth it. “Everyone—contestants, producers, staff, Ken Jennings—was incredibly kind. I wish everyone could have that experience.”
One behind-the-scenes moment stands out to Weikert: “I had an absolutely terrible rehearsal. I missed a Daily Double on U.S. military trivia—which is extra embarrassing since I’m a veteran and an Army Reserve officer. I figured I’d be lucky to answer a few questions. But maybe the old saying is true: a bad dress rehearsal means a good performance.”
Although he’s an introvert at heart and jokes that he’d prefer to play “Jeopardy!” without the episodes airing, he’s grateful for the attention it has brought to Immaculata and to a cause close to his heart.
Weikert shared that he chairs the Weikel Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in memory of his friend Jarrad Weikel, a former Marine and pharmacy student who passed away during the pandemic. The fund supports veterans and their children pursuing studies in the sciences. He expressed that if his time on “Jeopardy!” helps raise awareness for the scholarship, it would be more than worth it.
The “Jeopardy!” experience has also offered new insights into his role as an educator. “It reminded me how stressful it can be to be tested, even when you’re well prepared,” Weikert said. “That perspective makes me a better teacher.”
One lasting lesson? “Success and failure are often separated by just a small moment—a lucky clue, a slight mispronunciation. That’s comforting. It reminds us not to dwell on a bad outcome if we know we did our best.”
While he doesn’t consider himself among the trivia elite, Weikert’s love for the game has only grown.
“I’d absolutely be open to future trivia competitions,” he said. “Though I’m not quite on the level of the “Jeopardy!” greats, I had a blast. And who knows what’s next?”
