Heisman Trophy winner and Ohio State legend Troy Smith is stepping onto a different kind of field this fall, as he joins fellow Buckeye greats and Texas Longhorn legends for the inaugural World Series of Cornhole and Legend Shootout Tournament.

The first-of-its-kind event brings together former athletes who have made their mark on the gridiron, now competing in a game of skill and camaraderie. Smith will be joined by fellow Buckeyes, while Texas will be represented by icons including Heisman winner Ricky Williams.

“This is about competition, camaraderie, and creating new spaces for athletes to connect,” said Smith. “It’s fun, it’s lighthearted, but it’s also about addressing something very real—mental health. Athletes go through challenges like anyone else, and it’s important to have healthy outlets and conversations around that.”

Supporting Youth and Mental Health

Beyond the boards, Smith continues his long-standing commitment to giving back. Through his work with the Richard Swinsey Inner City Kids and Youth Foundation, Smith supports under-served youth in Ohio and across the nation, providing resources, mentorship, and access to opportunities in sports and education.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health,” Smith explained. “If our mental health isn’t where it needs to be, the days can pile up, leading to stress, anxiety, or worse. We want to stop that cycle, provide support, and give young people tools to succeed both on and off the field.”

Buckeyes vs. Longhorns: A Rivalry Rekindled

The Ohio State vs. Texas showdown promises to be a highlight of the event. With legends like Smith, Ricky Williams, and Vince Young involved, the competition is expected to draw fans from across the country.

“We know Texas fans travel well, but we’re in the championship city,” Smith said with a smile. “I’m confident Buckeye Nation will show up strong to represent.”

Looking Ahead

As the college football season kicks off, Smith is also keeping a close eye on the next generation of stars, including quarterbacks like Arch Manning and Drew Allar, as well as future Buckeye greats.

“The Shoe can feel daunting at first,” Smith noted. “But once you embrace the atmosphere, those 100,000 fans lift you up. That’s what being a Buckeye is all about.”

Event Schedule & Locations (Tickets Available Here)

Friday, August 29, 2025 – Legends Day

• Heisman Toast
  

• 3:00–5:00 PM at The Athletic Club of Columbus
  

• A VIP gathering offering cocktails, meet‑and‑greet photo opportunities (including Heisman Trophies), and a charity auction hosted by the Cowboy Auctioneer Heath Hale.
  
  

• WSOC VIP Cornhole Tournament – Legends Shootout
  

• Begins at 6:00 PM (with practice/warm‑ups beforehand at ~6:15 PM) at The Railhouse at East Market, 212 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH.
  

• Sweepstakes winners team up with legends like Troy Smith, Vince Young, Ricky Williams, Ted Ginn Jr., and others to compete in a lively cornhole showdown.
  

• Attendees enjoy VIP Speakeasy access, curated beverage tastings, high-energy live auctions between games led by Heath Hale.
  

Saturday, August 30, 2025 – Game Day & After-party

• VIP Tailgate Experience
  

• Starts at 8:00 AM and runs through kickoff (Ohio State vs. Texas game).
  

• Held at a private VIP location near the stadium, featuring premium food, drinks, entertainment, and athlete appearances.
  
  

• Miss Cornhole: "Show Me Your Cornhole" After-party
  

• Begins post-game at Draft Day, 1130 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH.
  

• High-energy fan event with celebrity judges, music by OSU Football’s official DJ Corey Grand, and over 2,000 attendees.
  
  

Charitable Impact

• Proceeds benefit player-driven foundations and charities
  

• Including Troy Smith’s mental health initiatives, the Vince Young Foundation, the Ted Ginn Jr. Foundation, Ricky Williams’ programs, and select Texas-based 501(c)(3) organizations through raffles and auctions.
  

• Cowboy Auctioneer Heath Hale will spearhead live fundraising during key events to drive engagement and support for these causes.
  

In short, the World Series of Cornhole offers an unforgettable two-day experience full of competition, legends, VIP access, and meaningful philanthropy—all preceding the big Ohio State vs. Texas showdown.

Tickets are available directly from the venue, the Railhouse at East Market and online from the World Series of Cornhole.

Editorial Note: The World Series of Cornhole is not Affiliated with University of Texas, Ohio State University or Ohio State Athletics.

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The World Series of Cornhole (WSOC), held in Columbus Ohio on August 29-30, 2025, today announced a featured partnership with Ted Ginn Jr. and the Ginn Foundation, spotlighting a shared mission to expand opportunities for young people through sport, mentorship, and education. 

As one of WSOC’s charitable beneficiaries, the Ginn Foundation will be front and center across WSOC’s signature experiences—including the Heisman Toast VIP gatherings, the high‑drama LEGENDS Shootout Cornhole Tournament, the fan‑favorite Miss Cornhole competition, and the VIP Tailgate—where fans and legends come together for fun, competition, and real community impact.

“All the main beneficiaries of my foundation are the kids,” said Ted Ginn Jr. “If you track the kids from 2015—or even earlier—to now, you’ll see the progress and where they are today. If you like your kids, you save a family.”

A Mission Built for Impact: Inside the Ginn Foundation

The Ginn Foundation serves as a community hub anchored by Ginn Academy and Ginn Elite Sports. Together they provide a structured pathway—on and off the field—so young people can stay active, focus on academics, and avoid the distractions that can derail potential.

• Ginn Academy & Feeder System: The foundation’s model connects early development to high‑school excellence (rooted in the Glenville tradition) and onward to college readiness—“a way to keep the kids active and not get caught up in a lot of trouble.”

• Ginn Elite Sports: Year‑round training, travel competition, and big‑stage opportunities—including a national youth program trip to Florida for champions each December—create clear targets and tangible rewards for hard work.

“I have three kids at The Ohio State University as we speak,” Ginn said. “Without the Ginn Elite program, these guys wouldn’t have had the opportunity—or the push—to want to go. It’s not just about Ohio State. It’s about giving every kid a shot. Any donation goes straight back to the kids.”

How to Follow & Learn More: Ginn directs supporters to the foundation’s digital footprint—Ginn Elite Sports and Ginn Academy across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook—where the mission, day‑to‑day work, and student progress are documented.

Why WSOC + Ginn Foundation Works

WSOC is engineered to pair sports legends with passionate fans—and channel that energy into funding for youth foundations, veterans and military families, mental health initiatives, and disaster relief. Ginn’s vision aligns point‑for‑point with the WSOC playbook:

• Sport that Includes Everyone: “The World Series of Cornhole brings multiple races together,” Ginn said. “It brings out competitiveness—and it’s different. We do 7‑on‑7, basketball, softball, even kickball, but cornhole doesn’t usually get the spotlight.”

• Competition Without the Wear and Tear: “Cornhole is about accuracy, knowing the game, preparing to compete. There are rules and strategy, but not a lot of physical impact—so more people can play, and keep playing.”

• A Stage for Giving: WSOC’s format builds natural moments—VIP toasts, tournament showdowns, tailgate hype—where live fundraising, raffles, and fan‑experience packages raise dollars without slowing the show.

Ginn on WSOC: From the Boards to the Cause

A proud product of The Ohio State University and a veteran of football’s biggest stages, Ginn is competitive by nature—and cornhole is no exception.

“I play cornhole—and I think I’m pretty good,” he said with a grin. “We go back and forth, but I’m usually the one on top. WSOC lets me test that, while doing something meaningful. That’s the best of both worlds.”

Ginn also sees WSOC as a reunion stage for athletes and fans whose rivalries and highlights shaped their love for the game.

“We’ve got Heisman brothers in Troy [Smith] and Ricky [Williams], and me and Vince [Young] did amazing things in high school, college, and the pros. WSOC brings that all together—for a purpose.”

“I Am the Community”: How Giving Back Fuels Everything

Ginn’s commitment to service isn’t an add‑on—it’s the throughline of his career.

“Giving back has opened doors for the guys coming behind me,” he said. “Since my sophomore year, I’ve tried to help people stay who they are—on the field and off. You’re not just changing a life; you’re changing society.”

What he enjoys most about events like WSOC: “I am the community,” Ginn said simply—summarizing why he shows up, stays late, and keeps building.

Rivalries, Memories, and the Mindset of a Competitor

Ginn’s favorite rivalries read like a highlight reel—Ohio State–Michigan, Browns–Steelers, and a carousel of NFC/AFC showdowns from Saints–Panthers to Dolphins–Jets. As for the memory that sticks?

“2004, Marshall,” he recalled. “The walk, the tunnel, the pregame—all the Ohio State traditions—and then getting on the field and playing. A lot of guys experience the moment and then sit. I got to play. I came in as a DB and walked out a receiver. Never looked back.”

How Fans Can Support the Ginn Foundation at WSOC

• Give during live moments: Bid in the live fundraising segments, raise your paddle in the fund‑a‑need, and enter raffles tied to exclusive experiences.

• Follow and amplify: Share posts from Ginn Elite Sports and Ginn Academy across social channels to spotlight student success stories.

• Keep the momentum going: Donations fuel travel, training, academic support, and championship opportunities—“another $100 becomes another door open for a kid.”

“Whenever you hear or see you can donate—do it,” Ginn said. “You aren’t doing anything but changing a life.”

About the Ginn Foundation

The Ginn Foundation supports youth through education, mentorship, and athletics, anchored by Ginn Academy and Ginn Elite Sports. The foundation’s feeder‑to‑future pipeline develops character, academic readiness, and competitive excellence—so student‑athletes can succeed in high school, thrive in college, and contribute to their communities.

About the World Series of Cornhole

The World Series of Cornhole creates once‑in‑a‑lifetime events where legends and fans come together for competition, camaraderie, and community impact. Signature formats include the LEGENDS Shootout Cornhole Tournament, the Heisman Toast VIP experience, the Miss Cornhole fan competition, and premium VIP/Ultra VIP game‑day activations. Every WSOC event supports meaningful causes—from youth foundations and veterans to mental health initiatives and disaster relief. With the energy of a tailgate, the access of a private club, and the impact of a top‑tier fundraiser, WSOC is where memories are made and legends live on.

Get Tickets for the World Series of Cornhole here.

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The World Series of Cornhole (WSOC) is excited to announce that Heath Hale, nationally known as The Cowboy Auctioneer, will emcee the Columbus events and lead the live fundraising action throughout the weekend. From the Heisman Toast to the Shootout Cornhole Tournament at the Railhouse at East Market, Hale’s dynamic stage presence will keep the energy high and the giving even higher.

Hale brings over two decades of auctioneering experience, a family tradition that began when he was just four years old. In his drive to raise over $1 billion for charities, Hale has raised over $350 million for causes and non-profits nationwide, educating and inspiring donors to think bigger. His unique blend of charisma, humor, and authenticity transforms fundraising into an unforgettable, high-impact experience.

“The Railhouse will be an electric environment surrounded by Buckeye and Longhorn legends, but what drives me most is helping people and causes that change lives,” said Hale. “The World Series of Cornhole is the perfect fit — high-energy, competitive, and centered around giving back. From the Heisman Toast with Troy Smith and Ricky Williams to the Tournament, we’re going to fire up Columbus and raise a lot of money for great causes.”

WSOC leadership is equally excited about Hale’s role at the marquee events, which also include the VIP Tailgate Experience ahead of the Ohio State vs. Texas showdown and the Miss Cornhole Competition at The Railhouse at East Market.

“Heath is the best in the business at engaging audiences and turning moments into memories that also make a difference,” said Trent Henkaline, Organizer of the World Series of Cornhole. “His ability to connect with fans and drive impactful fundraising will elevate every part of our weekend in Columbus.”<

• Heisman Toast (VIP): High‑access storytelling with legendary athletes, photo ops with memorabilia, and a curated slate of once‑in‑a‑lifetime lots that set the philanthropic tone early.
  
  
• Legends Shootout Cornhole Tournament: A high‑tempo, broadcast‑ready production where sweepstakes winners and VIPs get drafted onto teams with legends—and Hale’s crew keeps the bids—and the cheers—flying between throws.
  
  
• VIP Tournament Experience: A premium pregame environment—music, food, Ohio State and Texas Legends — where Hale leverages short, targeted moments, to drive giving and impact while hyping the crowd to see which alumni base will create the most impact.

ABOUT THE WORLD SERIES OF CORNHOLE (WSOC)

ABOUT HEATH HALE - COWBOY AUCTIONEER

Hale brings over two decades of auctioneering experience, a family tradition that began when he was just four years old. In his drive to raise over $1 billion for charities, Hale has raised over $350 million for causes and non-profits nationwide, educating and inspiring donors to think bigger. His unique blend of charisma, humor, and authenticity transforms fundraising into an unforgettable, high-impact experience.

• Heisman Toast (VIP): High‑access storytelling with legendary athletes, photo ops with memorabilia, and a curated slate of once‑in‑a‑lifetime lots that set the philanthropic tone early.
  
  
• Legends Shootout Cornhole Tournament: A high‑tempo, broadcast‑ready production where sweepstakes winners and VIPs get drafted onto teams with legends—and Hale’s crew keeps the bids—and the cheers—flying between throws.
  
  
• VIP Tournament Experience: A premium pregame environment—music, food, Ohio State and Texas Legends — where Hale leverages short, targeted moments, to drive giving and impact while hyping the crowd to see which alumni base will create the most impact.

ABOUT THE WORLD SERIES OF CORNHOLE (WSOC)

ABOUT HEATH HALE - COWBOY AUCTIONEER

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Buckeye Nation and Longhorn fans, get ready. The World Series of Cornhole (WSOC) is bringing the ultimate fan-athlete showdown to Columbus! This isn’t just cornhole — it’s where Heisman Trophy winners, NFL legends, and passionate fans collide for two days of unforgettable competition, tailgating, and community impact.

With the vibe of a college tailgate, the access of a VIP club, and the impact of a major fundraiser, WSOC is more than a game — it’s a movement.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 – LEGENDS TAKE OVER COLUMBUS

All Events at the Railhouse at East Market, Columbus Ohio

Heisman Toast – Mingle with the Legends
3:00 – 6:00 PM Kick things off with an exclusive VIP gathering — raise a glass with Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr., Ricky Williams, Vince Young, and more. Fans can snap photos with their Heisman Trophies and hear never-before-told stories from life on the field and beyond. Cornhole boards will open after the 6PM Toast for practice and warm-up prior to the 7PM tournament start time.

VIP Legends Cornhole Tournament – The Cornhole Shootout
6:15 PM Practice on the cornhole Boards begins @ The Railhouse at East Market – Columbus, OH
7:00 PM Tournament Start Time
After the toast, the legends hit the boards. In this one-of-a-kind cornhole tournament, lucky raffle winners get drafted by a Heisman legend and compete for bragging rights in front of a roaring crowd.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30 – GAME DAY MADNESS

8:00 AM – Kickoff | Premium VIP Tailgate Zone
The only way to pregame before Ohio State vs. Texas. Enjoy premium food, drinks, live music, and appearances from the legends as you get fired up for one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

Miss Cornhole: “Show Me Your Cornhole” Competition
6:00 PM Postgame | Draft Day – 1130 Dublin Rd
Featuring DJ Corey Grand - OSU Football's Official DJ
A fan-favorite event that delivers big laughs, bold personalities, and high-energy competition.

PLAY FOR A PURPOSE

Every toss makes an impact. WSOC proudly supports charitable foundations led by the very legends fans will meet. These organizations are making a difference across youth education, mentorship, community development, and mental health.

• The Vince Young Foundation – Empowering youth through education and safer communities.
  

• The Ted Ginn Foundation – Carrying forward a legacy of academic, spiritual, and social growth for young people.
  

• Troy Smith’s Tournament & Foundation – Raising awareness and support for athlete mental health.
  

These are just a few of the charities that will be represented at WSOC, with more to be highlighted in upcoming announcements.

Why it Matters

The World Series of Cornhole isn’t just about the boards — it’s about legends giving back. By bringing together Heisman winners, NFL greats, and their fans, WSOC is turning friendly competition into real-world change. Attendees aren’t just watching history; they’re fueling it by supporting programs that empower youth, strengthen families, and build stronger communities.

Tickets & Socials

Tickets are limited — don’t miss your chance to be part of the World Series of Cornhole. Available now on BetterUnite.

#WSOC2025 on All Socials including Instagram and TikTok

About World Series of Cornhole

The World Series of Cornhole (WSOC) is more than a tournament — it is the definitive global governing body shaping the future of the sport. As a for-profit organization with a mission-driven heart, WSOC is creating unparalleled opportunities for players, driving massive fan engagement, and positioning cornhole as a mainstream, multi-billion-dollar athletic and entertainment powerhouse.

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