The road to the 2026 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) continued to take shape in San Angelo as the Texas Swing wrapped with standout performances, pivotal payouts and a clearer picture of the 2026 world title races.
As athletes pass the halfway mark of the PRCA regular season, storylines and leaderboard races are beginning to take shape.
With attention now shifting to the large outdoor rodeos out West, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo finale continued several athletes’ strong 2026 campaigns.
All-around standout Wacey Schalla headlined the bareback riding. He claimed the title with an aggregate score of 178.5 points on two head, earning $7,128. The Oklahoma cowboy currently ranks second in the world standings, just behind leader Bradlee Miller.
Steer wrestler Jesse Brown extended his recent run of success with a win in San Angelo. Earning the top honors in 2025 and 2026, he repeated his success to be a back-to-back title defender. He posted a combined time of 18.3 seconds on four head to earn $9,588. Brown now sits fifth in the world standings as he continues his push toward a 2026 National Finals Rodeo berth.
World champions Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira also found success, finishing with a time of 18.7 seconds on four head to earn $7,684 each.
In saddle bronc riding, six-time NFR qualifier Chase Brooks totaled 176.5 points on two head to earn $7,118. He now ranks fifth in the world standings as the season reaches its midpoint.
Angelo State University cowboy Sam Lewis secured a hometown victory in tie-down roping with an aggregate time of 36.3 seconds on four head, earning $9,657.
Barrel racer Michelle Alley claimed the title with a three-run total of 43.94 seconds, collecting $8,884.
Bull rider Noah Lee capped the Texas Swing on a high note, covering two bulls for 181.5 points on two head to earn $7,047.
As the Texas Swing officially comes to a close, athletes will continue traveling coast to coast in pursuit of fulfilling their 2026 campaign goals.
