The Pigskin Classic

What Is the Josh Palmer Pigskin Classic?

The Josh Palmer Pigskin Classic is an annual sprint football tradition between Mansfield University and Cornell University, two longtime members of the Collegiate Sprint Football League.

Each year, the Mansfield Mountaineers and Cornell Big Red take the field for more than a football game. The Classic celebrates perseverance, brings two proud football programs together, and supports the continuing mission of the Josh Palmer Fund.

2026 Game Information

The 22nd Annual Josh Palmer Pigskin Classic will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Cornell University’s historic Schoellkopf Field in Ithaca, New York.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

The Story Behind the Classic

The Pigskin Classic was established in 2001 by longtime Mansfield Sports Information Director Steve McCloskey, former Mansfield head football coach Joe Gilbert, and former assistant coach Mike Cerasuolo to honor Josh Palmer, a former Mansfield University football player and assistant coach.

At just 19 years old, Josh was diagnosed with late-stage Hodgkin’s disease. After undergoing treatment, he fought his way back to Mansfield and returned to the football program. When knee injuries eventually ended his playing career, Josh remained with the Mountaineers as an assistant coach.

Josh and his family established the Josh Palmer Fund in 1999 after experiencing firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that can come with a cancer diagnosis. What began as an effort to support young adults with cancer has grown into a lasting community mission dedicated to helping local patients and families throughout the Twin Tiers.

More Than a Football Game

A Lasting Community Impact

The Josh Palmer Pigskin Classic represents the lasting relationship between Josh, Mansfield University, Cornell University, and the many coaches, student-athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters who have helped carry the tradition forward.

For the players who compete in the Classic, the game is an opportunity to represent something greater than themselves. It is a reminder that football can bring people together, inspire hope, and make a meaningful difference far beyond the field.

The Classic also helps raise awareness and support for the Josh Palmer Fund and its mission of assisting local individuals and families affected by cancer.

A Lasting Community Impact

For more than 25 years, the Josh Palmer Fund has provided financial support, practical assistance, and hope to cancer patients and their families throughout the Twin Tiers.

Through community partnerships, signature fundraising events, and direct patient assistance, the Fund has provided nearly $2 million in support. This assistance helps families manage many of the everyday expenses that can accompany a cancer diagnosis, including travel, lodging, groceries, meals, household bills, and other essential needs during treatment.

The mission behind the Pigskin Classic remains the same as it was when the tradition began: to help ensure that no one in the community has to face cancer alone.

Check Out This Past Year's Recap Video