With strong performances across every event, Odessa provided an early snapshot of athletes who are clearly ready to capitalize as the Texas swing is just beginning.
The 2026 rodeo season continues to take shape in Odessa, Texas, where big performances highlighted one of the first major stops of the year. These wins marked an early checkpoint in the stretch of Texas rodeos that will define the entire winter run.
Bareback Riding
Bareback rider Wacey Schalla wasted no time making a statement in 2026. In 2025 Wacey made his first NFR trip in the bareback riding. He ended the year 5th in the world standings after a very strong showing in Vegas.
The Oklahoma cowboy matched up with Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Guitar Town for an winning 89 points, to take his first big win of 2026.
Steer Wrestling
In steer wrestling, the guys each got two rounds. Consistency decided the average. Bray Armes secured the aggregate title with an 8.4-second total on two head after winning the first round with a 3.9. Tyler Scheevel with his 3.6 second run took the round two win.
Team Roping
The team roping followed a similar format, with two rounds determining the average champions. Dustin Egusquiza and JC Flake came out strong to win the first round with a 4.1. They stayed clean across both runs to take the average in 8.3 seconds.
Round 2 went to Tanner Tomlinson and Coleby Payne who put together the fastest time of the rodeo in 3.5 seconds.
Saddle Bronc
In saddle bronc riding, 2023 College National Champion Q McWhorter delivered big. His winning ride was 87 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Mistaken Identity. This win came over a strong group that included Rusty Wright, whose 86.5-point ride kept him close behind.
Breakaway Roping
Makenzie Dowell turned in a wicked fast time of 1.5 seconds to win the breakaway roping. Dowell is a young cowgirl who is competing on her permit. However, after this big win, her permit is filled. The Texas cowgirl wasted no time in 2026, and can now buy her WPRA card.
Tie-Down Roping
The tie-down roping was no surprise when Kincade Henry claimed the average with a 17.7-second total on two head, placing in both rounds. Henry just did what he always does, staying consistent and fast too. This aggregate win was a significant early-season result, especially with many of the best ropers continuing to push the pace.
Ryan Thibodeaux won the first round in 8.6 seconds. Kincaide was right behind with an 8.9. The fastest time of the rodeo went to young talent Colton Suther with an 8.3. Colton ended up second in the average too.
Barrel Race
The barrel racing story is one to watch. Julie Plourde came out on top with a 14.38 second run. Plourde is coming off of her first National Finals where she left Vegas the 2025 Average Champion Barrel Racer.
Her Odessa run edged Lindsey Muggli and Devon Brown by just hundredths of a second. Plourde’s win added valuable early earnings as the barrel racing standings begin to take shape.
Steer Roping
The Steer roping featured four rounds. Tyrel Taton earned the average title after a 47.5-second total on four head. Taton’s consistency across all rounds allowed him to outpace a deep field that included several veteran steer ropers and all-around contenders too.
Kyle Cauthorn's 9.5 second run took round 1. Roger Nonella was a 10.0 for the round 2 win. J. Tom Fisher was then 9.8 seconds to top the field in round 3. Round 4 brought the fastest time of the rodeo with Ty Williams and his round winning 9.4 second run.
Bull Riding
5- Time NFR qualifier Boudreaux Campbell claimed the bull riding win with a huge 90-point ride aboard Powder River Rodeo’s Sour Patch. Campbell has spent some time in the PBR the last couple of years. Fans are curious if this win might be the start of another NFR campaign for the Texas cowboy.
Rookie talent Hayden Welsh followed closely with an 87.5-point ride, continuing a strong early run as the season begins.