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 third full release sent out by the selection committee:
Jayden Overly
St. Marys Area High School
Height: 5’9″ – Weight: 200 lbs.
Offense: T – Defense: DE
Jayden plans to attend Clarion University, working towards a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He lists his honors as All Conference Honorable Mention, 6 Varsity Letters, High Honor Roll 2nd semester 25-26. He wants to play in the Big 30 Game as an opportunity to step out on the field to show his talent and pursue his future in football. Jayden’s best memory while playing football was stepping out on the field for senior night and playing with my teammates one last time. His hobbies are wrestling, track and field, football, and playing video games. His favorite football team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his favorite player is Matthew Stafford.
Alex Meneo
Warren Area High School
Height: 5’10” – Weight: 168 lbs.
Offense: WR – Defense: S
Alex plans to take a gap year to continue developing and gaining experience. He will then attend college with the goal of majoring in a sports related field, looking to balance my academic goals with continued growth in athletics. He lists his awards as 2 year letterman in football and Honor Roll. Alex wants to play in the Big 30 game because he feels that it is an awesome opportunity to showcase what he can do on the field for possibly the last time for him. Thank you for this opportunity! Alex states that his best memory while playing football was finally winning his first varsity game after two losing seasons. It was incredibly rewarding and memorable. He lists his hobbies as physical fitness and studying sports. His favorite football team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his favorite player is T.J. Watt.
Logan Kohler
Bradford Area High School
Height: 5’7″ – Weight: 142 lbs.
Offense: WR – Defense: CB/S
After graduation he would like to enter the Electrical Apprenticeship field. He lists his awards as Special Teams Player, NTHS, Distinguished Honor Roll (4 yrs.), Track MVP, Model T Big Man of the Game, and WESB MVP of the game (multiple times). He’s wanted to be in the Big 30 game since he was a young kid. It has been a dream of his. His Pop Pop has influenced him to work hard to reach that goal. Logan’s best memory while playing football was scoring 2 big touchdowns in the last game of his sophomore year and winning MVP of the game. He lists his hobbies as fishing, camping, listening to music, and working out. Logan’s favorite football team is the Jacksonville Jaguars, and his favorite players are Roger Craig and Trevor Lawrence.
Jacob Abers
Bradford Area High School
Height: 5’11” – Weight: 210 lbs.
Offense: C Defense: DT
Jacob would like to get his CDL License after graduation and drive truck. He lists his honors as Lineman of the Year, Defensive MVP, and Locker Room Leader Award. Jacob has had a goal since he started playing football in the Midget League to be part of the Big 30 game someday. His best memory while playing football was the interception he had in the Kane game and 35-yard run after that. His hobbies are carpentry and weightlifting. His favorite football team is the Philadelphia Eagles , and his favorite football player is Jason Kelce.
Greyson Linkerhof
Eisenhower Middle-High School
Height: 5’7″ – Weight: 200 lbs.
Offense: T – Defense: DT
Greyson plans to attend UPMC Jameson School of Nursing to become a registered nurse. He lists his awards as 2003 PA Football News All Academic Gol Team, awarded the Hayden Salapek Lineman of the Year Award by his coaches and teammates, inducted into the National Honor Society. In 2024 he won Region 6 All-Star Second Team on both offensive and defensive lines,, PA Football News All-Academic Silver Team, and the Hayden Salapek Lineman of the Year by his coaches and teammates, 2002 he received Region 3 All-Star First Team for one more opportunity to play the game he loved so much… and he says it is so rewarding to be recognized for all his years of hard work. Greyson says that he wants to play in the Big 30 game for one more opportunity to play this game he loves so much. His most memorable moment playing football was his senior year overtime game against Mercyhurst Prep. His hobby is weightlifting. His favorite football team is the Cleveland Browns (it is not my fault I was born into it) and his favorite player is Myles Garrett.
Logan Penley
Eisenhower High School
Height: 6′ – Weight: 170 lbs.
Offense: RB-Defense: OLB
Logan plans to go to college to become a Football Coach. He lists his honors as Student of the Month and Multiple Player of the Games. He wants to play in the Big 30 game so he can participate in one last high school game with some of my best teammates. Logan’s best memory while playing football were the playoff games every year and the D10 Championship game. Logan lists his hobbies as video games and messing around with friends. His favorite football team is the Philadelphia Eagles, and his favorite player is Caleb Jakubczak.
Dylan Swanson
Cattaraugus-Little Valley
Height: 5’11” – Weight: 200 lbs.
Offense: RB – Defense: MLB
Dylan plans on graduating high school and going into the work force as a diesel mechanic. Some day he will start his own autobody and repair shop with his best friend Michael Lee. He lists his honors as First Team Offense Award, MVP this year , two-time Player of the Week, and Coaches Award. Ever since he was little playing for a youth league in Bradford for a team called KOA, he has wanted to play on the Owls field one last time like I did in the championship all those years ago. Dylan’s best memory while playing football was the year against the Gators when I got to play against my cousin Sawyer.
He lists his hobbies as playing guitar and fixing anything mechanically. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Luke Kuechly.
Conner Roulo
Portville Central School
Height: 5’9″ – Weight: 145 lbs.
Offense: Kicker
Conner wants to continue his welding career at Ohio Technical College. His awards are Athlete of the Month, Top 3 for extra points in a game (8). Playing in the Big 30 game was always a thought, but he never thought that he would play because I also play varsity soccer in the same season. Having this opportunity is a dream for him! Conner’s favorite memory while playing football was making it to the Bills Stadium – definitely a dream! He lists his hobbies as golf, skiing, soccer, fishing, football, and baseball (pretty much any sport). His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Josh Allen.
Stryker Kahle
Pioneer Central High School
Height: 6’1″ Weight: 165 lbs.
Offense: TE/WR Defense: OLB
Stryker plans to enter college for Sports Management. His awards are listed as Defense MVP, Honor Roll, and Leading Tackler. He wants to play in the Big 30 game because he believes it will be a great opportunity to watch more game film and for the tradition. Stryker’s best memory while playing football was his entire senior season. He says this was the best time of his life. He lists his hobbies as working out, MMA, and golf. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills and his favorite player is Azeez Al-Shaair.
Devan Otto
Cattaraugus – Little Valley
Height: 6’2″ – Weight: 265 lbs.
Offense: T – Defense: DT
Devan plans on going to St. Bonaventure University after graduation to become a flight nurse in the Air Force. His honors include Top Offensive Lineman 2024-2025, Ranked 4/61 in 2024-2025, ranked 3/61 in 2023-2024. Devan says that since he is not playing college football, he would love to end his career with a win. His best memory while playing football was almost getting 9 pick six on his first ever interception as a DT. Devan lists his hobbies as weightlifting, fishing, hunting, fanning, chess, and rock collecting. His favorite football team is the Green Bay Packers, and his favorite player is Tyler Linderbaum.
Winter Mentley-Peters
Gowanda High School
Height: 5’9″ – Weight: 175 lbs.
Offense: RB/WR – Defense: LB
Winter will be attending Alfred State to pursue a career in becoming an Athletic Trainer while playing college football. He lists his awards as 1st team All-State Running Back, DPOY, 1st Team League Linebacker 2X, and a High Honor Roll student. Winter wants to play in the Big 30 game so he can get a chance to play with his boys one last time. He also would like to build new connections. His best memory while playing football in high school was senior night halftime in the locker room, and the game winning hail mary on Senior night. Winter lists his hobbies as hiking, biking, and camping. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Luke Kuerht.
Grady Merrill
Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School
Height: 6’4″ – Weight: 195 lbs.
Offense: TE – Defense: DE
Grady plans to attend the University of Buffalo to earn a degree in Civil Engineering. He lists his awards as Class Valedictorian, 4 times Coaches Award, Team MVP in football, Track & Field, and basketball., 2 time second Team Defense for CCAT football, 1st Team All-WNY Character Award, Big 30 All-Star Defense, 3-time Sportsmanship Award, and three-time Athlete of the Season.. Grady says that football has been something he loves playing since he was a kid. The memories, experiences, and friends made through football are unmatched. This is my last hurrah and playing will be a tribute to everyone who has gotten me there. His best memory playing varsity was against Cardinal O’Hara, when he had a career high in sacks and tackles, plus a fumble recovery, which led us to a 50-30 victory. Grady lists his hobbies as running, playing basketball, working out, reading, woodworking, spending time with family and friends, and watching movies. His favorite team is the Buffalo Bills and his favorite player is Josh Allen.
