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How Cornhole Became a Legitimate College Sport
Cornhole, once a casual backyard game played at barbecues and tailgates, has tossed its way into the realm of legitimate college sports. What began as a simple pastime with murky origins - possibly dating back to 14th century Germany or 19th century Kentucky - has evolved into a competitive activity with varsity teams, scholarships, and ESPN broadcasts. The journey from lawn game to collegiate recognition involved cultural shifts, organizational efforts, and a growing community of dedicated players. Here’s a look at the key factors that elevated cornhole to a respected college sport.
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The Rise of Organized Leagues and Standardized Rules
The establishment of professional organizations like the American Cornhole League (ACL) in 2015 and the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) in 2005 was pivotal. These groups standardized rules, such as board dimensions (2x4 feet), bag specifications (6x6 inches, filled with resin pellets), and cancellation scoring (3 points for a bag in the hole, 1 point for a bag on the board). This formalization transformed cornhole from a casual game with varied local rules into a structured sport. The ACL’s growth to over 200,000 members and 25,000 annual tournaments provided a competitive framework that colleges could adopt, legitimizing cornhole as a sport worth pursuing at the collegiate level.
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Media Exposure Through ESPN Broadcasts
Cornhole’s visibility skyrocketed when ESPN began airing tournaments, starting with online coverage on ESPN3 in 2016 and moving to national broadcasts on ESPN2 in 2017. The 2020 pandemic further boosted its profile when cornhole was among the first sports to resume, drawing significant viewership, including more than 200,000 for the 2022 ACL World Championship. This media attention showcased the skill and strategy involved, with players like Morgan Blonde and Trey Burchfield becoming recognizable figures. For colleges, the televised success signaled cornhole’s potential as a serious sport, encouraging institutions like Adrian College and Winthrop University to invest in programs.
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Collegiate Programs and Varsity Status
Adrian College in Michigan led the charge by launching the nation’s first varsity cornhole program in 2021, hiring Max Benedict as the first full-time cornhole coach. The program’s varsity status meant the college covered expenses like uniforms, travel, and equipment for its 12 players, mirroring traditional sports. Winthrop University followed, offering cornhole scholarships and leveraging its proximity to the ACL headquarters in Rock Hill, South Carolina. These programs provided a blueprint for other colleges, with schools like Kent State and Grand Canyon University now fielding competitive teams. The promise of scholarships and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals further incentivized student participation.
Cultural Acceptance and Community Support
Cornhole’s accessibility, requiring minimal athletic ability and simple equipment, made it a hit on college campuses, where it was already popular at tailgates and dorm events. As students embraced competitive play, campus attitudes shifted from skepticism to support. At Adrian College, initial mockery gave way to curiosity and pride as teams competed nationally. This cultural shift helped colleges justify investing in cornhole as a sport that resonated with students.
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Corporate Sponsorships and Financial Incentives
The influx of corporate sponsors like Johnsonville, Bush’s Beans, and DraftKings, which offers live betting on cornhole matches, added financial legitimacy. At the collegiate level, sponsorships and tournament winnings (up to $2,500 per event) helped fund programs. Adrian’s teams, for instance, reinvest prize money to cover costs, while players secure NIL deals for product promotion. Meijer’s $20,000 grant to create a cornhole league in Michigan schools further bridged the gap to collegiate play. These financial streams convinced athletic departments that cornhole was a viable, self-sustaining sport.
