As the 2026 PRCA season nears its final month of competition, heads begin to turn toward the year-end leaderboards, taking note of the top athletes to watch along the way. As athletes and fans alike eye the world standings races, they will also eye the Resistol Rookie of the Year races, one of rodeo’s oldest and most prestigious titles.
Only athletes in their first year of PRCA card ownership are eligible for the prestigious honor, making it the only race where athletes have just one shot. Many of the sport’s greatest competitors started as rookies, navigating the rodeo road and earning the Resistol Rookie of the Year title before becoming world champions and record holders.
This prestigious honor not only reflects an athlete’s ability to compete against the world’s greatest, but also their ability to navigate the trials of the PRCA season, rodeo schedules, precisely timed travels and key horse and gear choices.
With the race in full swing, several athletes have made headlines in both the rookie race and the world standings race. Here’s a preview of just a few of the top storylines to watch ahead of the summer rodeo run.
Similar to last year’s thrilling bull riding Resistol Rookie of the Year race — where three rookies qualified for their first NFR and battled for the rookie title under the bright lights of Las Vegas — the 2026 season also features several top riders already well within the top 15 in the world. Noah Lee of Mineral Wells, Texas, currently leads the rookie race and world title race with over $318,000 earned thus far, writing historic storylines in both races. Also in contention for the title and their first NFR qualifications are Hayden Welsh and reigning PBR World Champion, John Crimber.
Bareback rider Carson Hildre maintains his lead in the rookie standings and is 21st in the world standings as he prepares to finish his Resistol Rookie year strong.
Finding consistent success thus far, Colorado saddle bronc rider Waitley Sharon currently leads his event’s rookie race with over 113,000 won, sitting 16th in the world standings and eyeing his first NFR qualification.
Leading the All Around and Team Roping (Heading) race is Arizona cowboy Ketch Kelton. Kelton, who is no stranger to large stages, will look to secure his first NFR qualification throughout the final month of the PRCA season.
As the season continues to progress, so will the Resistol Rookie of the Year races. With many athletes in the top 20 of the world standings, several rookies will also be eyeing their first NFR qualification in their first year of PRCA card membership.
Follow along with Cowboy+'s digital and social channels for the latest rookie and year-end world standings.