Ahead of the 2026 NFR and with the conclusion of the 2026 regular season, the PRCA and WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year leaders and winners have been announced. One of the most coveted titles in professional rodeo, Resistol Rookie of the Year honors can only be earned once in an athlete’s career, setting the tone for a legacy and career defined by success. The 2026 Resistol Rookies of the Year will be celebrated during the annual Resistol Rookie of the Year Luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas. Award winners will also be recognized during the Dec. 8 performance of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Making history, six Resistol Rookie of the Year award winners and contenders have qualified for their first NFR in 2026.
One of the most notable Resistol Rookie of the Year races, the bull riding title, will remain undecided until the conclusion of the NFR, with four Resistol rookies earning NFR qualification. Noah Lee of Mineral Wells, Texas, currently leads the Resistol Rookie and world standings with $405,040 earned during the regular season. Also qualifying for the 2026 NFR are bull riders John Crimber, Hayden Welsh and Braxton Whitesell. The Resistol Rookie of the Year bull riding title will be determined following the conclusion of the NFR.
Ketch Kelton of Mayer, Arizona, earned Resistol Rookie of the Year honors in the all-around and team roping heading categories. Kelton earned $118,373 during the regular season and qualified for his first NFR in team roping, entering the NFR ranked 14th in the world standings.
Also qualifying for his first NFR and earning Resistol Rookie of the Year honors is saddle bronc rider Waitley Sharon of Ordway, Colorado. Sharon earned $190,947 during the regular season and will enter the 2026 NFR ranked 10th in the world standings.
Bareback rider Carson Hildre of Velva, North Dakota, earned Resistol Rookie of the Year honors after earning $113,720 during the regular season and finishing the year 18th in the world standings.
Steer wrestler Colin Fox of Manvel, Texas, earned Resistol Rookie of the Year honors after earning $87,421 during the season and finishing 24th in the world standings.
In the team roping, Braylon Tryan of Lipan, Texas, earned Resistol Rookie of the Year honors in the heeling category. Tryan earned $71,464 during the regular season and finished 34th in the world standings.
Falling just short of his first NFR qualification, tie-down roper Kyan Wilhite of Clovis, New Mexico, finished 16th in the world standings with $128,854 earned during the regular season, earning Resistol Rookie of the Year honors along the way.
Steer roper Clint Buringa of Golden, Colorado, also earned top rookie honors after earning $30,720 during the season and finishing 24th in the world standings.
Resistol also recognizes the leading rookies of the WPRA. Barrel racer Morgan Bagnell of Snowmass, Colorado, narrowly secured rookie honors with $61,665 earned during the regular season, finishing 39th in the world standings.
In the breakaway roping, Amy Ohrt of Victoria, Texas, earned top rookie honors after finishing 23rd in the world standings and earning $70,993 during the regular season.
The 2026 Resistol Rookie of the Year luncheon will take place on December 8 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
