As college students across the country head back to campus for the fall semester, student rodeo athletes are cinching off for another exciting season with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). In 11 regions, these contestants will begin the race to the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) next June in Casper, Wyoming. 

The fall season rodeos often set the pace and build momentum for individuals and teams looking towards national championships. Geography and weather also plays a role in scheduling. For example, while Texas schools can comfortably host rodeos nearly year round, Montana programs typically start earlier in the fall and wait until later in the spring.

This year also marks the first full schedule under the recently adjusted region structure. Following the 2025 CNFR, the NIRA split its largest region, the Southwest region, into two, creating the Caprock and Lonestar regions. Both will debut their own schedules this fall, with rodeos set to take place in new arenas across their areas. 

Rookies will emerge as the freshmen take on the arena. Some seniors and graduate students will nod their head for their final college season. As the rodeos begin, there is no doubt that there are big goals set for defending ground and chasing some big titles too. 

The 2026 CNFR is set for June 15 -21. 

Big Sky Region: 

9/5 - Northwest College Rodeo #1 - Cody, Wyom. 

9/6 - Northwest College Rodeo #2 - Cody, Wyom.

9/12-9/13 - Dawson Community College - Glendive, Mont. 

9/26-9/27 - University of Montana Western - Dillon, Mont. 

Caprock Region: 

9/18-9/20 - Eastern New Mexico University - Portales, NM

9/25-9/27 - Frank Phillips College - Canadian, Texas

10/23-10/25 - New Mexico Junior College - Lovington, NM

10/30-11/1 - Texas Tech University - Lubbock, Texas

11/13-11/15 - Clarendon College - Clarendon, Texas

Central Plains Region: 

9/11-9/13 - Colby Community College - Colby, Kans.

9/25-9/27 - Southeastern Oklahoma State University 

10/2-10/4 - Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, Okla.

10/30-11/1 - Northwestern Oklahoma State University - Alva, Okla. 

Central Rocky Mountain Region: 

9/5-9/7 - Chadron State College - Chadron, Nebr. 

9/19-9/21 - Central Wyoming College - Riverton, Wyom.

9/26 - 9/28 - Sheridan College - Sheridan, Wyom.

10/3-10/5 - Lamar Community College - Lamar, Colo. 

10/10-10/12 - Laramie County Community College - Cheyenne, Wyom. 

Grand Canyon Region: 

9/19-9/20 - Regional #1 - Duncan, Ariz.

10/10-10/11 - Regional #2 - Tucumcari, NM

Great Plains Region: 

9/5-9/6 - University of Wisconsin River Falls - River Falls, Wisc.

9/11-9/13 - Mid-Plains Community College - North Platte, Nebra. 

9/26-9/27 - Dickinson State University - Dinickson, ND

10/3-10/4 - Bismarck State College - Mandan, ND

10/10-10/11 - Iowa Central Community College - Fort Dodge, Iowa

Lone Star Region: 

9/25-9/27 - Sul Ross State University - Alpine, Texas

10/3-10/4 - Cisco College - Abilene, Texas

10/9-10/11 - Weatherford College - Weatherford, Texas

10/23-10/25 - Angelo State University - San Angelo, Texas

11/7-11/8 - Vernon College - Vernon, Texas

Ozark Region: 

9/18-9/20 - Missouri Valley College - Marshall MO.

9/25-9/27 - University of West Alabama - Livingston, Alab.

10/9-10/11 - Southern Arkansas University - Magnolia, Arka. 

10/16-10/18 - University of Arkansas Monticello - Monticello, Arka. 

11/20-11/21 - Murray State University - Murray, Kent. 

Rocky Mountain Region: 

9/5-9/6 - Southern Utah University - Cedar City, Utah

9/12-9/13 - Idaho State University - Pocatello, Idaho

9/19-9/20 - Utah Valley University - Spanish Fork, Utah

9/26-9/27 - Utah State University - Logan, Utah

10/3-10/4 - Utah State University Eastern - Price, Utah 

Southern Region: 

9/26-9/27 - Panola College - Tatum, Texas

10/2-10/4 - Southwest Texas College - Uvalde, Texas

10/10-10/11 - Northeast Texas Community College - Mt. Pleasant, Texas

10/24-10/25 - McNeese State University - Lake Charles, Loui.

11/6-11/8 - Sam Houston State University - Huntsville, Texas 

West Coast Region: 

10/3-10/4 - Feather River College - Quincy, Cali. 

11/7 - California State University Fresno - Clovis, Cali.

11/8-11/9 - Bakersfield College - Bakersfield, Cali.