Ole Miss Brain Brawl
Quiz Bowl Tournament
Dates: October 24, 2026 |
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Cost: $75 per 4-student team |
Registration Deadline: October 2, 2026 |
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Late Registration Deadline: October 16, 2026 |
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Team Max: 36 teams |
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NAQT Question Set: TBD [NAQT rules] |
The Ole Miss Brain Brawl is more than just a tournament—it’s an exciting training ground where quiz bowl teams put their knowledge to the test, sharpen their skills, and compete in a high-energy academic showdown.
Brain Brawl features a round-robin format that guarantees multiple opportunities to compete before advancing to an intense single-elimination championship. Teams are randomly placed into one of six (6) brackets.
The stakes rise as the top team from each bracket advances to the championship rounds, joined by two wildcard teams—eight teams in total. Wildcard spots are awarded based on the highest average scores across all brackets.
Format: In person, Oxford campus.
Tournament Type: Round Robin, Single Elimination Championship
Sponsor: Office of Pre-College Programs, Division of Outreach and Continuing Education
Team check-in will take place from 7:45–8:45 a.m., and all teams must check in with tournament staff before competing. Round One will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m., so teams are strongly encouraged to arrive on time—any team arriving more than five minutes late to a match will automatically forfeit.
During the Round Robin portion of the tournament, each team will face every other team within its bracket. With six teams per bracket, each team is guaranteed five matches, offering plenty of opportunities to compete and showcase their knowledge. At the conclusion of round-robin play, the top team from each of the six brackets will advance to the Championship Rounds. Two additional wildcard teams will also advance, selected based on the highest average points per game.
The Championship Rounds will feature a single-elimination format, where the competition intensifies as teams compete for top honors. Awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams, as well as Academic Competition Scholarships for Summer 2027.
An awards ceremony will take place immediately following the conclusion of the championship and consolation rounds, celebrating the accomplishments of all top competitors.
Audition requirement: All instruments (String, Wind, Brass, Percussion)
- One major and one minor scale: You can choose any major/minor scale from 1 to 3 octaves.
and - Any one piece of the student's own choice: Please submit up to two video files that includes both scales and a piece of the applicant’s choice. You may use a cell phone but ensure that you achieve good video and audio quality by capturing the full body of the student and the instrument. Record in a quiet environment with no background noise.
Application Deadline: August 24, 2026
Students will be notified of acceptance by August 28th.
Please note, all checklist items are due by August 31st. Students who have not completed their checklist items may NOT participate in the program.
Benefit for UM Faculty and Staff
Full-time University of Mississippi employees can choose one of these payment options:
- Upfront Payment: Pay $170/week with a credit card and save $25 per week.
- Payroll Deduction: Pay $195/week over six pay periods, starting in July. Available until June 15th.
Only one payment option can be used per week; both options cannot be combined.
Financial Aid available.
Need-based assistance is available for Rebel Quest and other summer programs. Only one week per child can be scholarship-funded. Funding is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Awards will be presented to
the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams, as well as Academic Competition Scholarships for Summer 2027.
