Resistol Rookie Watch: The Final Push To The NFR

The 2026 rodeo season is nearly over, and for the rookies chasing a Resistol Rookie of the Year title and a spot at the NFR, there is very little time left to make a move. With roughly a week and a half remaining in the regular season, those races have tightened and several rookies have positioned themselves inside the Top 15 – and some are even in the mix for a World Title.

Bull riding continues to be the standout rookie race, led by Noah Lee. Lee has turned an exceptional first season into one of the most impressive performances in ProRodeo this year. He currently sits No. 1 in the world standings with $358,507.21 in season earnings, giving him a significant lead in both the rookie race and the overall bull riding standings.

No. 2-ranked rookie Hayden Welsh has also remained firmly in NFR contention, sitting No. 6 in the world with $225,778.30. No.3-ranked rookie John Crimber follows at No. 8 in the world with $183,888.58 despite sitting out part of the year to recover from injury. Braxton Whitesell currently holds the final qualifying position at No. 15 with $137,267.21. Although Whitsell is sitting right on the bubble, he holds a nearly $13,000 lead ahead of the No. 16-ranked cowboy.

Tie-down roping has another rookie looking to punch his ticket to Vegas. Kyan Wilhite currently sits No. 13 in the world standings with $126,752.63. Wilhite has remained in the mix for much of the season, and now has just over a week to protect his position and finish his rookie season inside the Top 15.

Team roping header Ketch Kelton is also in the NFR conversation at No. 13 with $106,751.27. Kelton is no stranger to performing under pressure at a young age. The Arizona cowboy became the youngest winner of the Cinch Timed Event Championship in 2025 at just 19 years old.

In saddle bronc riding, Waitley Sharon sits No. 11 with $167,816.27. Sharon has been on a hot streak in the late-season Northwest run, having won the Ellensburg Rodeo, the Walla Walla Frontier Days, and the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo.

For these rookies, the goals that seemed months away are now within reach. This year’s Resistol Rookie class has definitely made its mark, and has given us a glimpse of some top competitors we’ll see for years to come. Wishing the best of luck to all the rookies, may this last week and a half bring you nothing but success!