GENESEE TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- CBS’ new season of “Million Dollar Password” kicked off Sunday night with a Mid-Michigan man walking away $25,000 richer.

University of Michigan-Flint student and Kearsley High School graduate Chad Mosher was paired with celebrity contestants Phil Keoghan, host of CBS reality show "The Amazing Race," and Julie Chen of “Big Brother.”

Mosher, 18, gambled his $50,000 for a chance at $100,000 but fell short on the word “sheets.”

According to the show’s rules, the failure sent him back down to $25,000.

Mosher said the money will go toward paying tuition.

He and his family sat around the television set on Sunday to watch the episode, which was taped in August.

The game show is hosted by Regis Philbin.