Three students from the University of Oklahoma will compete on NBC’s “Capital One College Bowl” quiz show hosted by brothers Peyton Manning and Cooper Manning. The TV series will feature 16 teams of students representing some of the nation’s top schools going head-to-head in a five-round tournament covering a wide variety of subjects.
In the ultimate battle of the brains, Peyton Armstrong, Eli Martin and Nitin Rangu will represent OU and compete for the coveted “Capital One College Bowl” trophy and $1 million in scholarships.
Be sure to tune into NBC this Friday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. CDT as OU’s team takes on the University of Texas at Austin during the premiere of the show’s second season. Episodes will also be available for streaming on Peacock.
In addition to OU and Texas, the other schools competing this season are Albany State University, Brigham Young University, Duke University, Morehouse College, Ohio State University, Penn State University, Spelman College, Syracuse University, University of California - Santa Barbara, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Notre Dame, University of Washington and season 1 champion Columbia University.
About OU’s “College Bowl” Team
Peyton Armstrong, of Fort Worth, Texas, is a junior majoring in social work. This fall, she will begin her practicum with the OU Southwest Prevention Center, a department of OU Outreach that aims to create positive social change while preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse and related high-risk behaviors. Her passion for social work is inspired by her parents, who have been foster parents since she was 6 years old.
Armstrong said the highlight of being on the show was competing alongside her OU teammates.
“I had such an amazing time competing on ‘Capital One College Bowl’ and getting to represent OU along with my teammates,” Armstrong said. “My favorite part was bonding with my team and seeing everyone’s competitive side come out. This was definitely a life-changing experience and gave me the perfect opportunity to showcase my school spirit for the place that has become my home over the last three years.”
Eli Martin, of Morris, Oklahoma, is a junior majoring in computer science. He enjoys musicals and has a passion for singing and playing the guitar. While on the show, his favorite trivia categories were pop culture, history and math. He said getting the opportunity to take part in the show is something he will never forget.
“Competing on the show as a representative for OU was the opportunity of a lifetime,” Martin said. “Getting to work and connect with my teammates, as well as other competitors from colleges around the world, is a memory I’ll forever hold onto.”
Nitin Rangu, of Longview, Texas, is a junior working toward a double major in psychology and biology. In high school, he was named valedictorian and had the opportunity to introduce actor Matthew McConaughey during his speech at the graduation ceremony. Rangu said being a part of the OU team and competing in front of a national audience was a fulfilling experience.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in ‘College Bowl,’” Rangu said. “I am so grateful that I was able to represent OU and that I get to show the rest of the country who we are. I’ll always look back at this experience with love for all my teammates and the great people I got to meet!”
By Jacob Guthrie
Photo Credit: Steve Swisher/NBC
