Meet The Cowboys Making Their First Appearance At The 2026 NFR

The 2026 NFR will feature a new group of competitors making their first appearance on rodeo’s biggest stage. Across the timed events and roughstock, these first-time qualifiers have earned their place among the Top 15, with several entering Las Vegas near the top of the world standings.

In bareback riding, Luke Thrash sits in the No. 13 position with $152,923 in season earnings, while Mason Stuller sits No. 15 with $133,837. Saddle bronc riding will also welcome a new face in Resistol Rookie of the Year Waitley Sharon. Sharon currently sits No. 10 in the world standings with $190,947.22.

In steer wrestling, Seth Peterson enters the 2026 NFR ranked No. 6 with $146,001.73. Mike McGinn sits No. 12 with $124,257.16, followed by Trisyn Kalawaia at No. 14 with $119,426.97. Holden Myers claimed the final qualifying position at No. 15 with $115,995.09.

Team roping features several new faces on both the heading and heeling side. Header Tyler Tryan currently sits No. 2 with $206,163.42, while Korbin Rice sits No. 3 with $181,148.37 and James Arviso follows at No. 4 with $168,104.04. Resistol Rookie of the Year Header and All Around Champion Ketch Kelton secured the No. 14 spot with $118,403.06.

On the heeling side, Nicky Northcott sits No. 2 with $207,514.42, followed by Cooper Freeman at No. 3 with $181,148.37. Denton Dunning sits No. 10 with $127,258.37, and JC Flake earned the No. 14 position with $123,013.18.

Tie-down roping adds three first-time qualifiers to the field. Trevor Hale leads the group at No. 7 with $165,628.65, followed by Buck Calhoun at No. 12 with $141,891.86 and Bryce Derrer at No. 13 with $141,581.01.

Bull riding brings the largest group of first-time qualifiers to Las Vegas – and an exciting Resistol Rookie of the Year race. Noah Lee leads the world standings with $405,040.61, capping a standout rookie season where he set a regular season earnings record. Fellow Rookies John Crimber and Hayden Welsh sit No. 6 and 7 with $254,338.89 and $242,065.18 won, respectively. Lane Vaughan sits No. 10 with $183,897, while Braxton Whitesell rounds out the Resistol Rookie competitors in the No. 12 position with $169,339.99. Jake Gardner rounds out the group at No. 15 with $156,068.75.

It’s exciting for any athlete to qualify for the NFR, but it’s extra special when it’s your first experience in the Thomas and Mack. We’re wishing all NFR first-timers the best of luck this December!