Following the latest milestones in Colin Jost's career on May 21, 2026, the comedy world is looking back at his unusual trajectory. On SmartLess, hosts and guests have been trading stories about how Jost's Ivy League pedigree set him apart from his peers.
During a discussion about college career paths, Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang humorously compared his own intelligence to Jost's, admitting, "No, no, no. I, I was no Colin. I was no economics major." Yang's self-deprecating remarks highlight the lingering mystique surrounding Jost's academic credentials in the writers' room.
SmartLess co-host Sean Hayes agreed, recalling his own conversation with Jost about studying "economics" at Harvard before he decided to "just sort of tack over to comedy." While some find the pivot bizarre, Jost's analytical background has clearly become a defining trait that his colleagues both respect and tease. As Jost prepares for his next projects, his dual identity as a Harvard-trained analyst and a late-night comedian remains a favorite topic of conversation.