<p id=”par-1_55″>As the 2025 Men’s March Madness tournament tips off, <a href=”http://cheatsheet.com/tag/sports”>basketball</a> fans are rallying behind their favorite teams in hopes of cutting down the nets. But beyond buzzer-beaters and bracket busters, many of the schools competing this year have also produced stars who shine far from the court — in Hollywood, music, television, and beyond. </p>
<p id=”par-2_62″>From Oscar-winning actors to chart-topping musicians and beloved TV personalities, here’s a look at the celebrity alumni who once walked the same halls as today’s student-athletes — proving that March Madness schools don’t just build champions, they build icons. And hey, when you’re torn between two teams, knowing which school produced your favorite celeb might just help you break that bracket tie.</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-east-regional”>East Regional</h2>
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<iframe title=”Meet Miss Alabama USA 2018″ width=”925″ height=”520″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfiNVxqXlNE?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Duke University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ken Jeong</strong> – Actor and comedian (<em>The Hangover</em>, <em>Community</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Alabama</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Hannah Brown</strong> – <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/hannah-b-s-sorority-alpha-chi-omega-denied-bachelorette-producers-access-due-to-security-concerns.html/”><em>The Bachelorette </em>star</a></li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Wisconsin–Madison</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Carrie Coon</strong> – Actor (<em>The White Lotus</em>, <em>The Leftovers</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Arizona</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Jerry Bruckheimer</strong> – Legendary film and TV producer (<em>Pirates of the Caribbean</em>, <em>CSI</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Oregon</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ty Burrell</strong> – Actor (Phil Dunphy on <em>Modern Family</em>), Emmy Award winner</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-brigham-young-university”>Brigham Young University </h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ken Jennings</strong> – <em>Jeopardy!</em> champion and host</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Saint Mary’s College of California</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mahershala Ali</strong> – Oscar-winning actor (<em>Moonlight</em>, <em>Green Book</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Mississippi State University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>John Grisham</strong> – Bestselling author (<em>The Firm</em>, <em>A Time to Kill</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Baylor University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Angela Kinsey</strong> – Actor (<em>The Office</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Vanderbilt University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dierks Bentley</strong> – Country music singer</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-virginia-commonwealth-university”>Virginia Commonwealth University </h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Jay Pharoah</strong> – Comedian and former <em>Saturday Night Live </em>cast member</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Liberty University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>TobyMac (Toby McKeehan)</strong> – Grammy-winning Christian rapper and former member of DC Talk</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Akron</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Yvette Nicole Brown</strong> – <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/communitys-yvette-nicole-brown-reveals-health-scare-changed-life-size-scale-health.html/”>Actor (<em>Community</em>, <em>Drake & Josh</em>)</a></li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Montana</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>J.K. Simmons</strong> – Oscar-winning actor (<em>Whiplash</em>, <em>Spider-Man</em>)</li>
</ul>
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<iframe title=”J.K. Simmons gives commencement address at the University of Montana” width=”925″ height=”520″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/lT6k_8l9ueE?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Robert Morris University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wale</strong> – Rapper, born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>American University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Giuliana Rancic</strong> – Entertainment reporter and television personality</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Mount St. Mary’s University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Rory Bourke</strong> – Country music songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Charlie Rich, Elvis Presley, and Olivia Newton-John</li>
</ul>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-west-regional”>West Regional</h2>
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<iframe title=”#MizzouMade Virtual Celebration – Jon Hamm” width=”925″ height=”520″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/4V2-IYiTiBs?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Florida</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Faye Dunaway</strong> – Oscar-winning actor (<em>Network</em>, <em>Bonnie and Clyde</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>St. John’s University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Gardner Fox</strong> – Legendary comic book writer who created Barbara Gordon, the original Flash, and Hawkman</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-texas-tech-university”>Texas Tech University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>G.W. Bailey</strong> – Actor (<em>M*A*S*H*</em>, <em>Police Academy</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Maryland</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Larry David</strong> – Co-creator of <em>Seinfeld</em>, <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/curb-your-enthusiasm-season-12-red-carpet-pics.html/”>star/creator of <em>Curb Your Enthusiasm</em></a></li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Memphis</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Kathy Bates</strong> – Oscar-winning actor (<em>Misery</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-university-of-missouri”>University of Missouri </h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Jon Hamm</strong> – Actor (<em>Mad Men</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Kansas</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Paul Rudd</strong> – Actor (<em>Ant-Man</em>, <em>Clueless</em>, <em>Friends</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-university-of-connecticut”>University of Connecticut</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bobby Moynihan</strong> – Actor, former <em>Saturday Night Live </em>cast member</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Oklahoma</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>James Garner</strong> – Actor (<em>The Rockford Files</em>, <em>Maverick</em>), known for TV and film roles</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Arkansas</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Nic Pizzolatto</strong> – <em>True Detective </em>creator</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Drake University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Steve Allen</strong> – Comedian, musician, and the first host of <em>The Tonight Show</em></li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Colorado State University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Leslie Jones</strong> – Actor, comedian, and former <em>Saturday Night Live </em>cast member</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Grand Canyon University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bill Engvall</strong> – Comedian and actor</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>UNC Wilmington</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Martha Cheney</strong> – Author, Gifted & Talented book series</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-university-of-nebraska-omaha”>University of Nebraska Omaha</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Karrin Allyson</strong> – Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Norfolk State University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>J.B. Smoove</strong> – <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/curb-your-enthusiasm-how-leon-black-became-larrys-permanent-houseguest.html/”>Actor (<em>Curb Your Enthusiasm</em>)</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-south-regional”>South Regional</h2>
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<iframe loading=”lazy” title=”Octavia Spencer Special Message to Auburn University Seniors 2020″ width=”925″ height=”520″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/_voeagq7ChA?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Auburn University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Octavia Spencer</strong> – Oscar-winning actor (<em>The Help</em>, <em>Hidden Figures</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Michigan State University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Tyler Oakley</strong> – YouTuber, social media personality</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Iowa State University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Chris Soules</strong> – <em>The Bachelor </em>Season 19</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Texas A&M University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lyle Lovett</strong> –Grammy-winning country singer</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Michigan</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lucy Liu</strong> – <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/lucy-liu-response-bill-murray-comments-set-charlies-angeles.html/”>Actor (<em>Charlie’s Angels</em></a>, <em>Kill Bill</em>, <em>Elementary</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-university-of-mississippi”>University of Mississippi </h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Tate Taylor</strong> – Director (<em>The Help</em>, <em>The Girl on the Train</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Marquette University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Chris Farley</strong> – Iconic comedian (<em>SNL</em>, <em>Tommy Boy</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Louisville</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Sue Grafton</strong> – Detective fiction author</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-creighton-university”>Creighton University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Matt Oberst</strong> – Frontman of the indie band Sorry About Dresden</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of New Mexico</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Penny Marshall</strong> – Actor (<em>Laverne & Shirley</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>San Diego State University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Kathy Najimy</strong> – Actor (<em>Hocus Pocus</em>, <em>Sister Act</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-university-of-north-carolina”>University of North Carolina</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Andy Griffith</strong> – Legendary actor (<em>The Andy Griffith Show</em>, <em>Matlock</em>)</li>
</ul>
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<iframe loading=”lazy” title=”Vault Visit | UNC-Chapel Hill hosts Andy Griffith exhibit” width=”925″ height=”520″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/fV3m9b0lFwM?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>UC San Diego</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mike Judge</strong> – Creator of <em>Beavis and Butt-Head</em>, <em>King of the Hill</em>, <em>Office Space</em></li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Yale University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Meryl Streep</strong> – Oscar-winning actor (<em>Sophie’s Choice</em>, <em>The Devil Wears Prada</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Lipscomb University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Kelsea Ballerini</strong> – Country music star, <em>The Voice </em>judge</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-bryant-university”>Bryant University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mikayla Nogueira</strong> – Social media influencer</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Alabama State University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>2 Chainz (Tauheed Epps)</strong> – Grammy-nominated rapper</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-st-francis”>St. Francis</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Paul Boyton </strong>– Showman and adventurer known as “Fearless Frogman”</li>
</ul>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-midwest-regional”>Midwest Regional</h2>
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<iframe loading=”lazy” title=”A Surprise for Ashley Judd: The Kentucky School Song” width=”925″ height=”520″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/d3-rYhZsa90?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Houston</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Jim Parsons</strong> – Emmy-winning actor (<em>The Big Bang Theory</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Tennessee</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Kurt Vonnegut</strong> – Author and satirst</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Kentucky</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ashley Judd</strong> – Actor (<em>Double Jeopardy</em>, <em>Divergent</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Purdue University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Jim Gaffigan</strong> – Actor and comedian</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Clemson University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Nancy O’Dell</strong> – TV host (<em>Entertainment Tonight</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Nick Offerman</strong> – Actor (<em>Parks & Recreation</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>UCLA</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Carol Burnett</strong> – <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/carol-burnett-amassed-45-million-during-her-incredible-acting-career.html/”>Actor, comedian</a></li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Gonzaga University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bing Crosby</strong> – Legendary singer and actor (<em>White Christmas</em>), attended but did not graduate</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Georgia</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wayne Knight</strong> – Actor (<em>Seinfeld</em>, <em>Jurassic Park</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Utah State University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Mark Walton</strong> – Storyboard artist (<em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie</em>, <em>Tarzan</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>University of Texas at Austin</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Matthew McConaughey</strong> – Oscar-winning actor (<em>Dallas Buyers Club</em>, <em>Interstellar</em>)</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-xavier”>Xavier</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ryan Nemeth</strong> – Professional wrestler known as Briley Pierce</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>McNeese State University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bobby Kimball</strong> – Frontman of the band Toto</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>High Point University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Donna Fargo</strong> – Grammy-winning country music singer/songwriter</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Troy University</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>James “J.T.” Thomas, Jr</strong> – Winner of <em>Survivor: Tocantins</em></li>
</ul>
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<iframe loading=”lazy” title=”Craig Melvin: Why I Chose Wofford College | NBC News” width=”925″ height=”520″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/qSRfu1NdsTg?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
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<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Wofford College</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Craig Melvin</strong> – <em>TODAY </em>co-anchor</li>
</ul>
<h3 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-southern-illinois-university-edwardsville”>Southern Illinois University Edwardsville</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Kathleen Madigan</strong> – Stand-up comedian</li>
</ul>