Will Riley: The Engineer Poised to Make His Mark on Jeopardy! This December

A fresh face is about to step into the spotlight on Jeopardy!—and his name is Will Riley. Viewers tuning in on Monday, December 8, 2025, will meet a contestant whose blend of technical expertise, academic achievement, and real-world innovation sets him apart from the typical trivia hopeful. Riley represents a new wave of competitors whose backgrounds in high-level science and engineering bring a different kind of intellectual power to the iconic quiz show.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Will’s journey began at Kingwood High School before he enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin to study biomedical engineering. Graduating in 2020, he immersed himself in advanced areas of research, including microfluidics, cellular modeling, and neurological diagnostic systems. His academic path reflected not only talent, but a clear intention to contribute to scientific problem-solving from an early stage.

Will quickly built on this foundation by pursuing a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Houston, completing the program in 2021. During his graduate studies, he immersed himself in cutting-edge projects, tackling issues with profound implications for public health. His work included computational modeling related to early detection of Alzheimer’s disease as well as vascular engineering initiatives. These experiences strengthened both his technical knowledge and his ability to approach complex biomedical challenges creatively and collaboratively.

His academic excellence did not go unnoticed. In 2020, he was honored with the Adolf Stuts Memorial Scholarship from AAM District 141—an award that recognized his drive, talent, and potential. During his acceptance, Will spoke about the steady support of his mother, Kim Riley, whose career as a photographer and longtime United Airlines employee shaped his belief in the importance of hard-working families in the development of future innovators. His gratitude and sense of purpose became an integral part of his early academic story.

After earning his graduate degree, Will transitioned out of university laboratories and into fast-paced, high-impact industry work. His first major role was at Plexium, a biotechnology company based in San Diego known for its focus on proteomics and drug discovery. There, he collaborated closely with scientific researchers and engineers, contributing to the development of screening platforms designed to help identify potential cancer therapies. The position allowed him to merge engineering, computation, and biology in a concrete, mission-driven environment.

His career trajectory continued upward when he joined AMD, one of the world’s leading semiconductor and computing technology companies. Now serving as a senior product development engineer in the New York–New Jersey region, Will stands at the intersection of biomedical science and next-generation computing. His work involves integrating automation and advanced hardware with his deep scientific background—an example of how modern engineering increasingly spans multiple disciplines.

Alongside his industry accomplishments, Will has published research on subjects including breast cancer metastasis and has gained a reputation for strong prototyping and cross-disciplinary thinking. His growing influence is also reflected in his active involvement within professional and academic communities. With over 450 LinkedIn connections and participation in groups such as the Biomedical Engineering Society, Will has built a network that mirrors his commitment to innovation and continuous learning.

Although he keeps much of his personal life private, his professional path reveals an individual who embraces challenge, values collaboration, and approaches his career with drive and curiosity. These traits make him an intriguing addition to the Jeopardy! stage—a place where knowledge, strategy, and composure intersect.

When Will competes, he will face two opponents with very different backgrounds. Morgan Lloyd, an English teacher from San Diego, brings strengths in literature, language, and cultural topics, offering a contrast to Will’s scientific expertise. Returning champion Ron Land, a medical physicist from Pittsburgh, arrives with three wins and total earnings of $52,51, making him a formidable competitor for both newcomers.

Together, the trio sets the stage for a dynamic and unpredictable game, where backgrounds in engineering, education, and physics collide in one of television’s most intellectually demanding arenas.

Viewers eager to see how Will’s scientific precision, depth of knowledge, and analytical mindset translate into gameplay can tune in on Monday, December 8, 2025. This episode promises not just a contest of trivia excellence, but a clash of minds shaped by radically different disciplines.

Be sure to watch Will Riley’s Jeopardy! debut—and if you’re following along online, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more updates from Wheel of Jeopardy.