TJ Gray Tops The Field At Reno Xtreme Bulls

The Reno Xtreme Bulls delivered another unforgettable night of action, showcasing some of the best bull riders in the PRCA as they battled through two rounds of intense competition.

The opening round set the tone for just how competitive the evening would be. Tristen Hutchings, who currently sits atop the world standings, took the early lead with an impressive 87.5-point ride aboard Rosser Rodeo's Tom Cat, earning $6,028.

Close behind was TJ Gray, who scored 87 points to secure second place, followed by a pair of 86-point rides by Luke Mackey and Braxton Whitesell. Promising PRCA Rookie Eyer Morrison rounded out the top five with 85.5 points. Several riders remained well within striking distance after the first round, however. Colton Byram and Josh Frost tied for sixth with 85 points, while Jeter Lawrence and Stetson Wright split eighth after each scoring 84-point rides.

To say the final round was a fight until the very end would be an understatement. Colton Byram delivered a spectacular 91.5-point ride aboard Western Rodeos' Wee Willey, matching TJ Gray's 91.5-point effort on Rosser Rodeo's Mr. Preifert.

Braxton Whitesell continued his consistent performance, tying with Jace Trosclair for third in the final round with 89 points. Luke Mackey added another strong ride as well, scoring 88.5 points to finish fifth, while Hudson Bolton claimed sixth with 87 points.

When the dust settled, it was Tough Draw Sports athlete TJ Gray who emerged victorious with an aggregate score of 178.5 points on two head. His $8,037 payday helped bump him up in the world standings – he was previously 22nd but now sits 19th. With less than $5,000 between him and a third NFR qualification, rides like this are exactly what’s going to get him to Las Vegas.

Byram's strong finish placed him second overall with 176.5 points, earning $6,162. Whitesell's two solid rides resulted in a third-place aggregate finish with 175 points and $4,554. Mackey followed closely in fourth at 174.5 points, while Bolton and Trosclair rounded out the top six.

Although Hutchings was unable to add a second qualified ride, he remains the No. 1 cowboy in the world standings with $156,750.63.

First Round:

1. Tristen Hutchings, 87.5 points on Rosser Rodeo's Tom Cat, $6,028

2. TJ Gray, 87, $4,621

3. (tie) Luke Mackey and Braxton Whitesell, 86, $2,813 each

5. Eyer Morrison, 85.5, $1,406

6. (tie) Colton Byram and Josh Frost, 85, $904 each

8. (tie) Jeter Lawrence and Stetson Wright, 84, $301 each

Finals:

1. (tie) Colton Byram, on Western Rodeos' Wee Willey, and TJ Gray, on Rosser Rodeo's Mr. Preifert, 91.5 points, $3,885 each

3. (tie) Jace Trosclair and Braxton Whitesell, 89, $2,009 each

5. Luke Mackey, 88.5, $938

6. Hudson Bolton, 87, $670

Average:

1. TJ Gray, 178.5 points on two head, $8,037

2. Colton Byram, 176.5, $6,162

3. Braxton Whitesell, 175, $4,554

4. Luke Mackey, 174.5, $2,947

5. Hudson Bolton, 170, $1,875

6. Jace Trosclair, 169, $1,340

7. Tristen Hutchings, 87.5 on one head, $1,072

8. Eyer Morrison, 85.5, $804

Events like Reno Xtreme Bulls can give competitors a standings boost at just the right time, or help maintain consistency during this busy time of year. The race to the 2026 NFR is sure to be nothing but excitement until the end of the season.