Penn State announced Sunday it raised a record $18.8 million for pediatric cancer through THON, its annual dance marathon that’s become a fixture of campus life.
The total jumped by more than $1.1 million from last year’s record. A big part of that increase comes from the football team — and their new head coach.
It started with Max Granville, a defensive end who was supposed to have a major role this season before a summer injury ended his year. The Texas native stuck with Penn State even after James Franklin’s firing and Matt Campbell taking over.
Now he’s making an impact off the field.
Building Something Bigger
Granville approached his teammates about donating part of their NIL money to THON, according to offensive lineman Cooper Cousins.
“We have the capability to stick up for something bigger than ourselves right now,” Cousins said, via Inside The Lions’ Audrey Snyder.
Campbell didn’t just support the idea — he matched whatever his players donated. The exact amounts haven’t been disclosed, but the gesture matters.
Cousins pointed to the culture Campbell’s creating beyond football. “My biggest thing is giving back to the community,” he said. “Having the opportunities that Coach Campbell provided for us … it’s incredible.”
The team’s got two or three community events each week. They visit elementary schools, read with kids, join them at recess. Every Tuesday means packing lunches for students who might not otherwise have one at school.
Weekends bring more service work at the Bryce Jordan Center — more lunches, dinners for families who need them.
It’s a different approach in an era when college football often feels defined by transfer portals and NIL deals. Campbell and his players are using those same NIL opportunities to fund something that matters to their community.
That’s worth celebrating.