The team roping is always interesting to watch towards the end of the year as we keep our eye on the teams that qualify for the National Finals Rodeo together and what possible new teams we will see inside the Thomas and Mack.
No. 14 Header Clay Smith and No. 2 Heeler Jake Long
This year has also brought us one of the greatest comeback stories with Smith and Long. Smith’s leg has hardly slowed him down and he is now within the Top 15. After the duo had a successful trip to the first ever Cinch Playoffs at the Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo in Puyallup, they went on to Buffalo, Texas to finish second and add to their earnings. It is looking like we could see them together this December.
No. 15 Header Jake Orman and No. 17 Heeler Brye Crites
Orman and Crites are hustling to cinch their spots for the NFR. Their recent success could help get the job done. Placing in Round 1 of the Pendleton Round-Up and the Short Go added to their season earnings. They also took home the win from the Lion’s Dixie Roundup in St. George, Utah which added almost $2,500 to their earnings.
Heading World Standings
| World Rank | Name | Money Earned |
| 1. | Kaleb Driggers | $223,973 |
| 2. | Clay Tryan | $144,663 |
| 3. | Andrew Ward | $122,959 |
| 4. | Coleman Proctor | $108,088 |
| 5. | Tanner Tomlinson | $104,251 |
| 6. | Dustin Egusquiza | $101,655 |
| 7. | Rhen Richard | $96,632 |
| 8. | Tyler Wade | $96,423 |
| 9. | Jr. Dees | $95,453 |
| 10. | Cody Snow | $91,842 |
| 11. | Lightning Aguilera | $89,963 |
| 12. | Riley Minor | $89,504 |
| 13. | Chad Masters | $87,443 |
| 14. | Clay Smith | $86,006 |
| 15. | Jake Orman | $82,033 |
| 16. | Paul David Tierney | $79,335 |
| 17. | Aaron Tsinigine | $79,085 |
| 18. | Jake Clay | $77,936 |
| 19. | Erich Rogers | $75,002 |
| 20. | Derrick Begay | $73,767 |
Heeling World Standings
| World Rank | Name | Money Earned |
| 1. | Junior Nogueira | $223,973 |
| 2. | Jake Long | $127,487 |
| 3. | Buddy Hawkins | $121,417 |
| 4. | Jade Corkill | $110,855 |
| 5. | Logan Medlin | $108,088 |
| 6. | Patrick Smith | $104,251 |
| 7. | Travis Graves | $101,655 |
| 8. | Jeremy Buhler | $97,654 |
| 9. | Levi Lord | $95,171 |
| 10. | Trey Yates | $95,010 |
| 11. | Wesley Thorp | $91,842 |
| 12. | Joseph Harrison | $89,958 |
| 13. | Brady Minor | $89,504 |
| 14. | Lane Mitchell | $82,822 |
| 15. | Jonathan Torres | $82,464 |
| 16. | Paul Eaves | $81,713 |
| 17. | Brye Crites | $81,505 |
| 18. | Tanner Braden | $79,335 |
| 19. | Paden Bray | $76,890 |
| 20. | Billie Jack Saebens | $74,069 |
With the end of the month nearing, the team ropers on the bubble have a led foot on the gas as they try to cash in every penny. Those within the Top 15 are right there with them as they know how much every penny counts going into the Thomas and Mack.
Standings current as of PRCA, September 22, 2022.