At just 19 years old, Clovis, New Mexico’s Kyan Wilhite is already making a strong statement in his first official season of professional rodeo. Wilhite currently leads the Resistol Rookie of the Year standings for the 2026 season in the tie down roping, having earned $8,163 so far.
Success in rodeo is nothing new for Wilhite. In 2025, he finished as the number one tie down roper on his permit with $58,964 in earnings. He also claimed the Texas State Championship in tie down roping in 2023 and went on to secure the National High School Rodeo Association’s national title that same year. Those accomplishments set the foundation for his rapid transition into professional rodeo.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2026 season, Wilhite is optimistic about the horsepower he has under him. With early momentum on his side, he remains firmly in contention to capture the coveted Resistol Rookie of the Year title in his first official year competing at the professional level.