Rising Stars of Rodeo: UPRA Recognizes 2026 Rookies of the Year

Every rodeo champion has to start somewhere, and for a talented group of up-and-coming competitors, the 2026 United Professional Rodeo Association season marked the beginning of what could become promising careers in professional rodeo.

As the dust settled at the 2026 CINCH UPRA Finals in Bryan, Texas, the association recognized its Rookies of the Year, celebrating the athletes who made their mark during their first season of competition.

From roughstock events to timed-event arenas, these rising stars demonstrated the determination, consistency, and competitive drive necessary to succeed in professional rodeo.

In the roughstock events, Cayden Flanagan earned Bareback Riding Rookie of the Year honors, while Jagger Roach claimed the Saddle Bronc Riding Rookie of the Year title. Both competitors made their presence known in events that demand strength, balance, and the ability to match some of the toughest bucking stock in the arena.

The Ranch Bronc Riding Rookie of the Year award went to Zeth Hastings, recognizing his efforts in an event rooted in traditional ranching skills. Meanwhile, Truett Tanner secured Bull Riding Rookie of the Year honors, adding his name to the association’s list of emerging roughstock talent.

On the timed-event side, Hudson Hermes earned Tie-Down Roping Rookie of the Year, highlighting the precision, speed, and horsemanship required in one of rodeo’s most technical events.

The team roping competition also welcomed two rising stars. Cooper Brittain was recognized as the Team Roping Header Rookie of the Year, while Colby Corkill earned Team Roping Heeler Rookie of the Year honors. Although competing in different positions, both athletes demonstrated the skills necessary to succeed in an event where timing and teamwork are everything.

In the women’s events, Tylie Siemsen claimed Breakaway Roping Rookie of the Year, earning recognition in one of professional rodeo’s rapidly growing disciplines. With fast runs and increasingly competitive fields, breakaway roping continues to provide opportunities for talented young cowgirls to make their mark.

Rounding out the rookie honorees, Maylee Woodard earned Barrel Racing Rookie of the Year, joining the next generation of competitors in an event where speed, precision, and a strong partnership between horse and rider are essential.

For these nine competitors, earning Rookie of the Year honors represents an important milestone. While seasoned veterans often dominate the headlines, the rookie race provides a glimpse into the future of the sport and the athletes who could become tomorrow’s championship contenders.

The UPRA has long provided a competitive platform for developing rodeo athletes, offering opportunities to gain experience, compete against established professionals, and build a foundation for future success.

Although the 2026 season has come to a close, the accomplishments of this year’s rookie class are only the beginning. As these athletes look toward another year of competition, they will carry the experience, confidence, and recognition earned during their debut seasons into the next chapter of their rodeo careers.

For now, the 2026 UPRA Rookies of the Year have earned their place in the spotlight, proving that the future of professional rodeo is already making its presence known inside the arena.