PRCA Bubble Watch 2026: Roughstock Edition

While the world standings leader race is exciting, we’ve officially hit the time of year where we pay closer attention to one thing: the bubble. The bubble refers to the competitors just in and just outside the No. 15 position who battle it out until the very end of the season for the final qualifying spots at the NFR.

With a handful of major rodeos on the horizon, we expect the bubble races in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding could look very different by the time the regular season comes to a close. For competitors sitting just outside the Top 15, one strong performance could truly make the difference between competing in the Thomas and Mack or waiting for a go at it next year.

Current Roughstock Standings:

Bareback Riding

14. Jayco Roper – $100,767.57

15. Kashton Ford – $100,747.62

16. Clayton Biglow – $94,825.84

17. Mason Stuller – $93,235.86

18. Orin Larsen – $90,331.58

19. Nick Pelke – $89,366.16

20. Carson Hildre – $80,591.55

Thanks to a $12,000-plus payday at the recent Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, Jayco Roper has moved into the Top 15 and currently sits No. 14 with $100,767.57. Just behind him is Kashton Ford, who holds the final qualifying position by less than $20. Ford is looking to secure his first NFR qualification, making the next several weeks particularly important.

While he currently sits inside the Top 15, Clayton Biglow is less than $6,000 behind him at No. 16. Mason Stuller and Orin Larsen are also within striking distance, and while Nick Pelke and Carson Hildre have a bit more ground to cover, it’s too early to rule them out.

Saddle Bronc Riding

14. Shorty Garrett – $105,339.47

15. Brody Cress – $104,532.47

16. Zachary Dallas – $99,768.74

17. Waitley Sharon – $98,388.32

18. Lefty Holman – $97,502.55

19. Ben Andersen – $90,523.96

20. Tanner Butner – $90,511.05

The saddle bronc riding standings are similarly tight around the cut line. Shorty Garrett currently holds No. 14, while Brody Cress sits in the final qualifying spot with $104,532.47. Cress has just over $4,700 separating him from Zachary Dallas at No. 16. Waitley Sharon and Lefty Holman are also within roughly $7,000 of the No. 15 position, and although Ben Andersen and Tanner Butner are around $14,000 out of a qualifying spot, it’s not over ‘til it’s over.

Bull Riding

14. Cullen Telfer – $115,644.41

15. Clayton Sellars – $108,814.33

16. Tristan Mize – $106,836.99

17. T Parker – $104,314.48

18. Colton Byram – $104,166.56

19. Colten Fritzlan – $101,899.23

20. Mason Moody – $99,933.64

The bull riding bubble is one of the most competitive of the three roughstock events. No. 14-ranked Cullen Telfer has given himself a roughly $7,000 gap between himself and No. 15-ranked Clayton Sellars. Tristan Mize is less than $2,000 behind Sellars, while T Parker and Colton Byram are separated by less than $150. Colten Fritzlan and Mason Moody remain within striking distance as well.

The countdown is officially on. Who’s your pick to qualify for the 2026 NFR? Rodeo Roundtable will continue to bring you the latest standings updates, so stay tuned.