The Big 30 has begun unveiling the names of players who have committed to participating in the upcoming 2026 Charities Classic. The following is the second full release sent out by the selection committee:
Nolan Murphy
Ellicottville Central School
Height: 6’1” — Weight: 215 lbs.
Offense: G – Defense: DE
Nolan is planning to attend Alfred State after he graduates from Ellicottville Central to major in Autobody Collision Repair. He lists his honors and awards as Second Team and Heart of the Champion Character Athlete Award. He wants to play in the Big 30 game so he will be able to play one more game of football and to hit people. Nolan’s favorite memory while playing football was playing at the Bills’ stadium his junior year, and being able to have great teammates. He lists his hobbies as golf and snowboarding. Nolan’s favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is JJ Watt.
Caine DeGolier
Olean High School
Height: 6’0” — Weight: 175 lbs.
Offense: WR – Defense: OLB
Caine plans to attend Alfred State for heavy equipment operation. He listed his award as Defense of the Year. He wants to play in the Big 30 game because he considers it an honor to play with kids from other schools he played against this year. His best memory while playing football was just spending time with his teammates. Caine lists his hobbies as fishing, hunting, wrestling, and baseball. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Josh Allen.
Tristen Hennard
Franklinville Central School
Height: 5’10” — Weight: 150 lbs.
Offense: WR Defense: S
Tristen plans after graduation to proceed into the work force and work his way up into crane operations. He listed his honors as High Honor Roll BOCES 2024. He wants to play in the Big 30 game because he feels that this is a big opportunity to play this game that many people don’t get the chance to do. His best memory while playing football was playing peewee football in the mud doing Oklahoma drills. Tristan lists his hobbies as football, basketball, hunting, and fishing. His favorite football team is the Cleveland Browns, and his favorite player is Odell Beckham Jr.
Mike Ellman
Olean High School
Height: 5’8” — Weight: 190 lbs.
Offense: C
Mike’s future plans after graduation are to become a United State Marine/ Branch of the Military. He lists his awards as Most Improved Wrestler and Most Committed Husky Captain. He wants to play in the Big 30 game to represent his coaches, teammates, and state in a very honorable way. His best memory while playing football was lifting with the boys and sticking with each other through lots of adversity. Mike’s hobbies are listed as wrestling and hanging out with friends. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Johnny Manziel.
Carson Couchenour
Southwestern High School
Height: 6’0” — Weight: 220 lbs.
Offense: C – Defense: DE
Carson plans to attend college and become a teacher and coach sports. His honors include Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society, Coaches Award for Football, Most Improved in Football, Cross-Training Character Athlete of the Week in football. Carson wants to play in the Big 30 game because it was an honor to be picked to play in this game, and this will be his last chance to suit up. His best memory playing football was being part of this team and making it to Highmark Stadium. Carson lists his hobbies as football, basketball, and going to the races. His favorite football team is the New Orleans Saints, and his favorite player is Alvin Kamara.
Logan Marsh
Pioneer Central High School
Height: 5’7” — Weight: 130 lbs.
Offense: QB Defense: S
Logan’s future plans are to become a heavy equipment operator. He lists his honors and awards as 2025 Most Valuable Defensive Player, 2025 Record Breaker – seven interceptions in a season, and BOCES Heavy Equipment Honor Roll. He wants to play in the Big 30 game so he can play one last game with his boys. Logan’s best memory while playing football was being coached by his father throughout his childhood. He lists his hobbies as hunting, fishing, and snowboarding. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite football player is LeSean McCoy.
Bo Pearsall
Cameron County High School
Height: 6’0” — Weight: 185 lbs.
Offense: WR – Defense: OLB
Bo plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and major in Exercise Science. His awards are John Simon Sportsmanship Award (2025), National Honor Society, and German Honor Society. He wants to play in the Big 30 game to leave a final mark in his football career, and to meet new people and friends. Bo’s best memory while playing football were the bus rides home after winning games. His hobbies are fishing, working out, video games, hanging out with friends, family, and loved ones. His favorite football team is the Denver Broncos, and his favorite player is Bo Nix.
Michael Nolder
Cameron County High School
Height: 6’3” — Weight: 310 lbs.
Offense: T – Defense: DT
Michael’s future plans are to go to college to play football. He lists his awards as the Thomas L. Malizia “54” Football Award. Michael wants to participate in the Big 30 game because he says he has worked really hard the last four years to try and get selected for this game. He said he is trying to get noticed by different colleges so he can go and play college football. Michael’s best memory while playing football was upsetting Union AC Valley in his sophomore year. He lists his hobbies as football, basketball, and weightlifting. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Josh Allen.
Dawson Welch
Oswayo Valley High School
Height: 5’9” — Weight: 162 lbs.
Offense: WR – Defense: S
Dawson plans to take his talents to the next level on the football field. He lists his award as District 9 Football League Outstanding Athletic Award for Offensive Honorary Mention during the 2025 season. He wants to play in the Big 30 game to be able to enjoy this great opportunity for the last time with these great athletes. Dawson’s best memory of playing football was playing US Union for district playoffs. He lists his hobbies as hunting, fly fishing, and working out. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Josh Allen.
Owen Thompson
St. Marys Area High School
Height: 5’8” — Weight: 185 lbs.
Offense: G – Defense: DT
Owen plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology for HVAC. His awards are listed as National Honor Society for 2 years, the Jerry Sain Memorial Award, and the 2025 Oil Can Award. Owen wants to compete in the Big 30 game because he feels it will show his hard work has paid off, and it will allow him to play one last game. His best memory while playing football was being a leader for his teammates, pushing through tough days, and choosing to stay positive no matter what he faced. He lists his hobbies as fishing, hunting, and riding dirt bikes.
Shane Magee
Otto-Eldred High School
Height: 5’11” — Weight: 175 lbs.
Offense: QB – Defense: S
Shane’s plans for the future are to get a higher education and continue to play football at the next level. He lists his honors as Region 4 All-Star Quarterback 2025, Region 3 Offensive MVP 2024, and a member of High Honor Roll. He wants to play in the Big 30 game because he loves the atmosphere of football games. He said he has watched the Big 30 game year after year, and has always wanted to play in it in front of all the fans. Shane’s best memory while playing football was in his junior year when they made the playoffs. He lists his hobbies as hunting, camping, gaming, hiking, and lifting. His favorite football team is the Carolina Panthers, and his favorite player is Cam Newton.
Colby Wilcox
Otto-Eldred High School
Height: 5’10” — Weight: 220 lbs.
Offense: G – Defense: T
Colby plans to work at Kinley Contractors and pursue his welding degree down in Texas. His honors are listed as Lettering in football, receiving Keystone Degree in FFA, lettered in Trap, maintained High Honor Roll, and Otto-Eldred FFA Officer. Colby wants to play in the Big 30 game to represent his community and give back to them for their support. He would love to play this game for the community and have one last run with all of his friends. Colby’s best memory while playing football was all the talks and jokes in the locker room after the games. His hobbies are listed as driving ATVs, shooting trap, and hanging out with all his friends. Colby’s favorite football team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his favorite player is T.J. Watt.
