2025 champs are back in the drivers seat again in 2026.
Bracket 3 at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo had a familiar feel to last year. Several of the 2025 Champions are not just back, they are positioning themselves for another title.
Bradlee Miller started that trend early on in the bareback riding.
The two-time NFR qualifier started out with a fourth place to open the bracket with a check. After that he totally dominated.
Miller was 85.5 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Squirmy Wormy to win Round 2. He followed it up with 88.5 points on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Warning Shot in Round 3, sealing the bracket win with $6,605 won already.
“Felt like I put on a show,” Miller said after the performance.
He understands this format better than anyone.
“Last year I won this rodeo. I was second in the short round but had enough won in the long rounds to get it done. Here every ride matters, it doesn’t come down to just the last one.”
The approach of going after every horse and round carried him to the 2025 San Antonio title, and it has him back in position again. Miller currently sits second in the world standings behind Wacey Schalla and could easily move into the No. 1 spot with another big Texas win.
Advancing to the semifinals alongside Miller are Orin Larsen, Taylor Broussard, and Bronc Marriott.
Aspen Miller in the breakaway roping put on a similar show in the breakaway roping.
San Antonio was a defining win in her 2025 season, helping launch her to her first National Finals Breakaway Roping qualification. This year, she looks just as comfortable.
Miller won Round 1 with a 1.9 and then did it again with a 1.7 in Round 3, advancing to the semifinals with $5,504 so far.
“I love this rodeo. I love this set up. I have had some great calves, just ready to go out and do it again hopefully,” Miller said.
She also credited her horsepower.
“I am just convinced he likes it here, he likes the crowd, and he is a good fast set up horse. I just use him when I can.”
2026 rookie Jaci Hammons , 2025 Rookie of the Year Haiden Thompson, and 3 time NFBR qualifier Rickie Fanning also advance.
The team roping carries a unique twist to that same back-to-back storyline.
In 2025, Dustin Egusquiza and Levi Lord claimed the San Antonio title and used that momentum to propel both to antoher NFR qualification.
This year, the team returns, but with different partners. Lord is heeling for young gun Tyler Tryan. In Bracket 3, it was Lord and Tryan who led the way.
Their 3.9 second Round 3 win sealed the bracket and sent them to the semifinals. Tryan may be one of the younger headers in the field, but he continues to rope with confidence. The son of three-time world champion Clay Tryan, he looks more seasoned and locked in with every run.
Five-time NFR qualifier Lord acknowledged the dynamic after their win.
“I don’t really know that I felt like a veteran until I started roping with him,” Lord said. “But like I have said there is a group of these young guys that are so talented. It is fun to be apart of it. They are so talented and tonight it worked out.”
The semifinals await for these champs and so does the opportunity for some of the them to do it all over again.
Others Advancing from Bracket 3
Steer Wrestling: 1. Justin Shaffer, $5,229; 2. Stephen Culling, $4,403; 3. Holden Myers, $2,477; 4. Eli Lord, $2,477
Saddle Bronc: 1. Q Taylor, $6,330; 2. Kade Bruno, $4,954; 3. Darcy Radel, $3,303; 4. Ben Andersen, $2,202
Tie Down Roping: 1. Chet Weitz, $7,155; 2. John Douch, $4,404; 3. Tom Crouse, $3,302; 4. Kyle Lucas, $2,752
Barrel Racing: 1/2 Hailey Kinsel & Loralee Ward, $5,504; 3. Kathy Grimes, $4,954; 4. Hayle Gibson-Stillwell, $3,853
Bull Riding: 1. Boudreaux Campbell, $12,476; 2. Colorado kid Mackey, $4,495; 3. Bryce Jensen, $2,844; 4. Damien Wood, $2,202