After a long season of competition, the PRCA Bull Riding standings are sharing a clear message: the next generation of riders are here to win.
With just over a month left in the 2026 PRCA regular season, the PRCA World Standings are starting to solidify, revealing who will be present at the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. However, none of these slots are set in stone as competitors continue to win, earn, and change the game.
Some of the most exciting changes have been in the rough stock events. Bull Riding specifically has seemed to know nothing but excitement this season, with talented rookies claiming many of the top spots.
Most notably throughout the 2026 season has been rookie bull rider Noah Lee. This young cowboy climbed to the top spot in July, despite not turning pro until February of 2026. Lee has now earned nearly $330,000 in winnings, putting a huge gap between him and the No. 2 rider, Tristen Hutchings. Tristen held the No. 1 spot for the majority of the season but has been unable to regain the lead as the season nears its end.
There are more notable rookies in the bull riding race this year, including Hayden Welsh, John Crimber, and Braxton Whitesell. All three of these riders have been taking huge strides this season and sit comfortably within the top 15 bull riders of the 2026 season, meaning they qualify for the NFR in December. Hayden Welsh has had some extremely successful rides, with 5 90-point rides this season alone. Most notably, he scored a massive 93.5 points on Buck Cancer at Cheyanne Frontier Days. Overall, Welsh has had a great season and is expected to so well at the NFR.
John Crimber is not an unknown name to rodeo fans as he has been riding bulls for nearly his whole life. Son of a PBR legend, his whole life has been spent with a love of the sport. Crimber was the 2026 PBR World Champion and hopes to add another title to his belt with his rookie season in the PRCA circuit. Currently ranked No. 8, he will get the chance to compete in the NFR, and he hopes to add another win to his resume.
Furthermore, although he is not a rookie, Hudson Bolton is another young rider who has been making headlines in the 2026 season. Accumulating over $200,000 in earnings in the 2026 season, he currently sits No. 4 in the world. This young rider has been making late-season strides, as he was No. 7 just a few short weeks ago. Should his success streak continue into the NFR, the 20-year-old rider could be the 2026 NFR Champion.
In all, the 2026 PRCA season has been a true race to watch in the bull riding section, with nearly one-fifth of the current qualified riders being rookies. The young riders are constantly chasing headlines and changing the game. One thing is certain: the 2026 NFR will be a must-watch event and could easily crown a rookie as the 2026 champion.
