2026 Resistol Rookies Of The Year Announced

The winners and leaders of the 2026 PRCA and WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year races have been announced, recognizing the top athletes in their first year as PRCA cardholders. One of the most coveted titles in professional rodeo, Resistol Rookie of the Year honors can only be earned once in an athlete’s career, setting the tone for a legacy and career defined by success.

Making history, six Resistol Rookie of the Year award winners and contenders have qualified for their first NFR in 2026.

Ketch Kelton earned Resistol Rookie of the Year honors in the all-around and team roping heading categories. Kelton earned $118,373 during the regular season and qualified for his first NFR in team roping, entering the NFR ranked 14th in the world standings.

Also qualifying for his first NFR and earning Resistol Rookie of the Year honors is saddle bronc rider Waitley Sharon. Sharon earned $190,947 during the regular season and will enter the 2026 NFR ranked 10th in the world standings.

Bareback rider Carson Hildre earned Resistol Rookie of the Year honors after earning $113,720 during the regular season and finishing the year 18th in the world standings.

Steer wrestler Colin Fox earned Resistol Rookie of the Year honors after earning $87,421 during the season and finishing 24th in the world standings.

In team roping, Braylon Tryan earned Resistol Rookie of the Year honors in the heeling category. Tryan earned $71,464 during the regular season and finished 34th in the world standings.

Falling just short of his first NFR qualification, tie-down roper Kyan Wilhite finished 16th in the world standings with $128,854 earned during the regular season, earning Resistol Rookie of the Year honors along the way.

Steer roper Clint Buringa also earned top rookie honors after earning $30,720 during the season and finishing 24th in the world standings.

Barrel racer Morgan Bagnell narrowly secured rookie honors with $61,665 earned during the regular season, finishing 39th in the world standings. In the breakaway roping, Amy Ohrt earned top rookie honors after finishing 23rd in the world standings and earning $70,993 during the regular season.

One of the most notable Resistol Rookie of the Year races, the bull riding title, will remain undecided until the conclusion of the NFR, with four Resistol rookies qualifying in the event. Noah Lee currently leads the Resistol Rookie and world standings with $405,040 earned during the regular season. Also qualifying for the 2026 NFR are bull riders John Crimber, Hayden Welsh, and Braxton Whitesell. Crimber currently sits sixth in the world standings with $254,338.89, followed by Welsh in seventh with $242,065.18 and Whitesell at twelfth with $169,339.99.

Congratulations to the 2026 Resistol Rookie class! We look forward to watching your success in the arena for years to come.