Trinity Hall returns to University Challenge
Posted:
15 Sep 2025
Trinity Hall's University Challenge team sat behind the famous desk, with presenter Amol Rajan and reserve team member stood behind. A framed photo of mascot Silly the Cat sits on the desk.
Trinity Hall makes a welcome return to the BBC’s University Challenge tonight (Monday 15 September) after almost 20 years, taking on their first ‘starter for ten’ as they go head-to-head with the London School of Economics (LSE).
The team is led by Captain Jeffrey Opreij (PhD, Mathematical Physics), competing with teammates Teymour Taj (MSci, Natural Sciences), Jake Bransgrove (PhD, History), and Shannon Gilbert (PhD, Chinese Literature) in the 10th episode of the current series after nearly two decades away from the quiz show. Together, they represent a broad range of academic backgrounds and bring months of preparation to the competition.
“We prepared extensively as a team,” says Jeffrey. “We subdivided knowledge areas, went over past episodes, and memorised countless lists.”
Despite their thorough preparation, the experience of being on the show brought unique challenges. “Nothing quite prepares you for sitting in front of dozens of cameras and bright studio lighting, having to search your mind for the right answer under immense pressure.”
Representing Trinity Hall on a national stage was a proud moment for the team. “It was a great honour and lots of fun to represent Trinity Hall on University Challenge for the first time in almost 20 years.”
Here at College, we are equally proud of Jeffrey, Teymour, Jake, Shannon and reserve team member Sam Webb (PhD, English Literature).
The last Trinity Hall team to take on University Challenge made it to the final in 2006, losing out to the University of Manchester in a hard-fought competition. The 2014 Christmas University Challenge team, which included new Honorary Fellow Dr Emma Pooley, went one better when they beat the University of Hull to victory.
The most recent series was won by Christ’s College Cambridge, who beat rivals Warwick University in the final earlier this year. Since 2023, University Challenge has been presented by Cambridge alumnus Amol Rajan.
Tune in to BBC Two tonight, Monday 15 September, at 8.30pm to cheer them on and test your knowledge.
Missed the episode? Catch up online.