Rodeo: NMSU Men’s Team Climbs to No. 1 in National Standings; Women Crack Top-Twenty

New Mexico State’s men’s rodeo team has risen to No. 1 in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) standings, marking one of the program’s strongest starts in recent seasons.

The NIRA governs collegiate rodeo competition across the country, organizing events into regional circuits before culminating in the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) each summer.

How College Rodeo Is Scored

Unlike traditional team sports, college rodeo scoring is built from the ground up through individual performances.

At each sanctioned rodeo:

• Athletes compete in events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, and roping
• Points are awarded based on placement in each event
• Those points are then added to a team’s overall total

Each school designates a “points team,” typically consisting of six men and four women, whose results count toward team standings.

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Over the course of a season—usually spanning around 10 rodeos per region—teams accumulate points, with national rankings reflecting total production across all competitions.

National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association

Men’s Team National Standings

April 1, 2026

What the Ranking Means

Sitting atop the national standings indicates that NMSU has:

• Consistently placed athletes across multiple events
• Generated the highest cumulative point total in the country
• Performed not just within its region, but relative to programs nationwide

The ranking reflects depth as much as top-end performance, as multiple athletes contributing points is essential to building a leading team total.

Kaden Miranda (above) sits atop the points board in Saddle Bronc Riding nationwide with 1,010 Total Points. Courtesy Photo

Path to the National Finals

College rodeo operates on a regional qualification system, with the top teams advancing to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

While regional standings ultimately determine qualification, national rankings provide a broader snapshot of performance across the sport.

Women’s Team Also in National Mix

NMSU’s women’s team is currently ranked No. 20 nationally, placing them within the competitive field of collegiate programs across the country.

With dozens of teams competing across multiple regions, a top-20 ranking reflects a program that remains active in the national conversation, even as the men’s team leads the standings.

National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association

Women’s Team National Standings

April 1, 2026