While the men’s soccer team took home the gold at the THON 2026 Pep Rally, each team’s performance was one to remember. From back flips, kick lines, and show-stopping choreography, it was a close call at this year’s event. We believe that each team is deserving of a special Onward State superlative, which we have compiled for you below.

Best Opener Award: The Penn State Blue Band & The Blue Sapphire

While the Penn State Blue Band and the Blue Sapphire were not competing in the THON 2026 Pep Rally, they sure know how to hype up the BJC. It felt like a sunny Saturday in Beaver Stadium as the entire crowd clapped along to the classic Blue Band songs, and the Blue Sapphire, Mackenzie Bronk, performed her iconic majorette routine. The performance made us all long for football season, and thus it deserves an award.

Best Lip Gloss Award: Women’s Volleyball Team

The women’s volleyball team performed an electric performance to Lil Mama’s “Lip Gloss.” The entire crowd was jamming along to this iconic 2000s song, as the team showed off their best hip-hop choreography. In accordance with the song’s overall message, the team’s lip gloss was in fact poppin’.

Most Likely To Form A Boy Band: Men’s Soccer Team

The men’s soccer team did not come to play this THON 2026 Pep Rally. With its coordinated, intricate dance moves, its routine was straight out of a One Direction music video. From back flips to kick lines, all the men’s soccer team needs is a few singing lessons to become the next international boy band. It was no surprise that they took home the gold.

Best Meme Reference Award: Women’s Field Hockey Team

Women’s field hockey performed an electric dance routine to a Lady Gaga classic, “Bad Romance.” Despite the song title, there was nothing bad about this choreography, as the entire team was expertly coordinated and even had a human worm dance break. However, the show stopper of their performance was when two players took off their jackets to reveal that they were wearing a No. 6 and a No. 7 jersey. Similar to the reaction from the BJC crowd at the 6-7 mention in the 2026 line dance, the entire crowd went wild.

The ‘It’s Always Sunny In The BJC’ Award: Women’s Soccer Team

The women’s soccer team takes the “It’s Always Sunny in the BJC” award as each player sported a pair of black sunglasses for the entire routine. Due to the amount of strobe lights flashing throughout their dance, we don’t really blame them. However, the fashion statement may have impaired the team’s vision, as there was a questionable flip landing and a few dance moves that were slightly out of sync. No worries, because they looked cool while doing it.

The Men’s Gymnastics Award: Football Team

The football team takes the “Men’s Gymnastics Award” for the impressive flips and jumps sprinkled throughout their routine. From effortless back flips to impressive high jumps, it was hard to believe that these players are not naturals on the balance beam. We hope that coach Matt Campbell was proud watching off-stage.

Best Effort: Women’s Ice Hockey Team

The women’s ice hockey team performed an iconic routine to Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” donned in matching black FTK sweatsuits. The performance was solid, with an entertaining dance routine and a classic song choice. It was clear that the team gave its all on the BJC stage, and that should be rewarded.

Most Chaotic: Men’s Gymnastics Team

The men’s gymnastics team did not disappoint in the THON 2026 Pep Rally, as it is one of the most anticipated acts during the event. The team stole the show with its flips, lifts, and twirls, and rendition of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” choreography. However, it was hard to pick what to focus on during its routine, as there was simply so much going on. Thankfully, the team was a finalist for the competition, providing audiences with another chance to rewatch the dance and catch anything they might have missed.

The ‘Am I Too Good To Be Here?’ Award – Lionettes

It is no surprise to anyone that the Lionettes brought down the house with their expert dance routine. The BJC crowd cheered as the Lionettes performed their iconic kick line and hit their routine with a precision that only true professional dancers could. This begs the question: Are they too good to compete at the THON Pep Rally?