NFSR Field Set for Kansas as 15 Ropers Chase World Title

The regular-season work is finished, the earnings have been audited, and the back numbers are official. Now, 15 of the PRCA’s top steer ropers are headed to Mulvane, Kansas, where the next chapter of the world championship race will unfold.

The 2026 National Finals Steer Roping presented by Cedar Gap Wealth Management is scheduled for Nov. 13–14 at Kansas Star Arena. Leading the field is Cole Patterson of Pawnee, Oklahoma, who earned the No. 1 back number with $120,041 in regular-season earnings.

At the NFSR, a smaller back number carries a bigger distinction. Numbers reflect each qualifier’s position in the audited PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings, recognizing the money earned throughout the regular season. Patterson enters with the highest total, but the field behind him includes 14 competitors with their own opportunity to finish the season strong.

Taylor Santos of Creston, California, holds the No. 2 position with $108,064. He and Patterson are the only qualifiers entering the finals with more than $100,000 in regular-season earnings. Their separation stands at $11,977 as the field prepares to compete in Kansas.

Riley O’Rourke of Skiatook, Oklahoma, secured the No. 3 back number with $90,611. Cody Lee of Gatesville, Texas, follows at No. 4 with $88,657, putting just $1,954 between the two cowboys entering the finals.

Scott Snedecor of Fredericksburg, Texas, rounds out the top five with $68,546. Behind him, several qualifiers arrive separated by narrow margins. Chet Herren of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, earned $65,221 for the No. 6 position, only $285 ahead of seventh-ranked Kelton McMillen of Weatherford, Oklahoma, at $64,936.

Roger Nonella of Redmond, Oregon, will wear No. 8 after earning $63,051. Two Andrews, Texas, ropers follow: J. Tom Fisher enters ninth with $62,345, while Vin Fisher Jr. holds the No. 10 position with $60,752.

Troy Tillard of Douglas, Wyoming, qualified 11th with $59,930. Thomas Smith of Barnsdall, Oklahoma, takes No. 12 with $53,727, followed by Tony Reina of Wharton, Texas, at No. 13 with $50,379.

Clay Long of Stephenville, Texas, earned the No. 14 back number with $49,533. Jake Clay of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, completes the field at No. 15 with $48,367. Just $1,166 separates the final two qualifiers.

Oklahoma and Texas account for 12 of the 15 contestants, with six qualifiers apiece. California, Oregon and Wyoming each send one representative, bringing five states into the championship field.

For every qualifier, the back number represents a season’s worth of earnings and a place among the event’s top 15. Patterson arrives with the regular-season lead, Santos follows closest behind, and the remaining contenders have secured their chance to compete on steer roping’s biggest stage.

When competition begins Nov. 13, those numbers will be pinned in place. The final outcome of the season will still be waiting to be written.