- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Celebrities We Want To See At THON
From athletes to entertainers, these famous faces could bring more attention to Penn State's student-run philanthropy event.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
THON, Penn State's annual student-run philanthropy event, could benefit from appearances by several high-profile celebrities. Suggestions include ESPN personality Pat McAfee, former Penn State football stars Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons, comedian Keegan-Michael Key, singer Adele, and actor Jason Momoa. These celebrities have connections to Penn State or align with the spirit of THON, and their presence could help raise awareness and excitement for the event.
Why it matters
THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, raising millions of dollars each year for pediatric cancer research. Celebrity appearances could help drive more attention and participation in the event, ultimately benefiting the cause. The celebrities suggested have strong ties to Penn State or embody the joy and community that THON represents.
The details
The article suggests several celebrities who could be a good fit for making an appearance at THON. ESPN personality Pat McAfee is known for his generosity towards college students, so his involvement could bring more attention and donations. Former Penn State football stars Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons have a strong connection to the university and could energize the crowd. Comedian Keegan-Michael Key is a Penn State alum with a fun personality. Singers like Adele and actors like Jason Momoa are known for their inspiring and uplifting presences, which could align well with the spirit of THON.
- THON is Penn State's annual student-run philanthropy event that takes place over a weekend in February.
The players
Pat McAfee
An ESPN personality known for his generosity towards college students.
Saquon Barkley
A former Penn State football star who now plays in the NFL.
Micah Parsons
A former Penn State football star who now plays in the NFL.
Keegan-Michael Key
A comedian and Penn State alum.
Adele
A popular singer known for her inspiring and uplifting presence.
Jason Momoa
An actor known for playing the superhero Aquaman.
What they’re saying
“If willing to donate that money to students, why not the biggest student-run philanthropy in the world? He also has great energy and brings light to a room, fitting for THON.”
— Holden Mostofsky, Author (onwardstate.com)
“People who have experienced THON and understand the meaning could possibly better know how to get the crowd moving.”
— Holden Mostofsky, Author (onwardstate.com)
The takeaway
Bringing in high-profile celebrities to THON could help raise awareness and excitement for the event, ultimately benefiting the cause of pediatric cancer research. The celebrities suggested have strong ties to Penn State or embody the joy and community that THON represents, making them well-suited to participate in and support the student-run philanthropy.
