Essential Guide to College Rodeo Recruiting for Parents and Athletes
- Bullfrog Recruiting
- Aug 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Whether you're a high school athlete dreaming of joining a college rodeo team or a parent looking to support your child's Gold Buckle Dreams, this guide will walk you through the basics of what you need to know about college rodeo recruiting. Let’s dive in!
Understanding College Rodeo, College Rodeo Recruiting and Its Opportunities
College rodeo is governed by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), which has member schools totaling over 130 colleges and universities across the United States. These schools compete in 12 different regions, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) held annually in Casper, Wyoming.
Participating in college rodeo allows student-athletes to compete at a high level while pursuing their education. Many schools offer scholarships to help offset tuition costs, and the rodeo community provides a supportive environment of like-minded individuals. However, not all colleges have rodeo programs, so researching schools early is key.
Start Early: When to Begin the Recruiting Process
The college rodeo recruiting process isn’t like other NCAA sports. There isn’t a recruiting team. And, more often than not, your student will not be recruited in the traditional sense- more likely they will create their own recruitment process. We at Bullfrog, encourage you to start this process as early as the student-athlete’s freshman/sophomore year or the latest, junior year of high school. Here are some key steps to take:
● Track Your Rodeo Achievements: Keep a record of wins and rankings. Coaches want accurate records of your accomplishments throughout high school.
● Record Your Runs: Coaches want to see you in action, whether through practice videos or footage from high school rodeos.
● Record Practices: Coaches want to see how you handle adversity. Don’t be afraid to show your failures in practice and how you overcome.
● Research Schools: Look into colleges with rodeo programs that align with your academic and athletic goals.
● Parents, Ask Questions: Parents, begin asking questions to see if this route is something your student-athlete has on their radar. Ask about motivation, what they want from college and about their future goals. This will help them to begin thinking of where they see themselves in the future. This will also help to determine what type of program may be a good fit for the student.
Starting early allows you to build relationships with coaches and ensures you don’t miss important deadlines.
Academic Eligibility: Balancing Books and Dreams
We are firm believers in the Student comes first for a reason. While we understand that not everyone that chooses the College Rodeo world is doing it for academic purposes, it is still a requirement to remain eligible. Talent in the arena is important AND academics play a significant role in the recruiting process. To compete in college rodeo, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the NIRA and your chosen college. These include:
First Year Members;
● Must have a 2.00 GPA on ALL college work “or” a 2.00 GPA based upon the previous term of enrollment.
● Complete 12 hours of academic credits each term; must pass at least 9 academic hours each term.
● Provide Official transcripts of high school and any college courses taken
After your first year:
● Maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.00 on a 4.0 grading scale
● Complete 12 hours of academic credits each term; must pass at least 9 academic hours each term.
● Provide Official Transcripts from any and all coursework
Strong academic performance not only makes you eligible but also increases your chances of earning scholarships.
Scholarships: Funding Your College Rodeo Journey
Many colleges with rodeo programs offer scholarships to attract talented athletes. These scholarships can cover tuition, housing, books, and rodeo-related expenses.
● Research as many scholarships as possible. The Scholarship Corner in Bullfrog Recruiting Solutions’ College Rodeo Portal is updated daily with new opportunities!
● Some scholarships are merit-based, while others are athletic-based.
● Even if a school doesn’t offer a full scholarship, combining smaller awards from multiple sources can significantly reduce costs.
● Be sure you are comparing apples to apples. One offer of $10,000 is may not be the same at another institution; depending on tuition costs, out of state fees vs in state, etc.
Building Relationships with Coaches
Coaches play a huge role in the recruiting process and building a relationship with them in advance could set you apart from other recruits. Here’s how to make a positive impression:
● Reach Out Early: Send an introductory email with your resume, highlight videos, and a brief introduction about yourself and why you’re interested in their program.
● Stay Professional: Communicate respectfully and show dedication to both rodeo and academics.
● Attend Camps and Clinics: Participate in as many rodeo clinics and camps as possible. Many colleges host rodeo camps where you can showcase your skills and interact with coaches in person.
● Schedule a tour: Reach out to each school and Coach to see when would be a good time to visit. Try to go while they are practicing so you can get a good look at how practice us run, too.
Choosing the Right Program
When selecting a college, consider more than just the rodeo team. Ask yourself:
● Does the school offer your desired major?
● Can you see yourself living in that community?
● Is the location a good fit for you academically and personally?
● What kind of resources and facilities are available?
Whenever possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the environment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—there’s no such thing as a dumb question when choosing your future home!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Waiting too long to start the recruiting process
● Your priority should not be "whoever gives me the most money"
● Focusing solely on rodeo and neglecting academics
● Failing to communicate with coaches
● Overlooking smaller schools with rodeo programs
Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure a smoother recruiting journey.
Chase Your Dreams
College rodeo can be an exciting and rewarding experience that allows you to pursue your passion while earning a degree. With careful planning, dedication, and the right mindset, you can successfully navigate the recruiting process and find a program that helps you achieve your goals.
Parents: Your support and encouragement are invaluable throughout this journey. Remember; this is their journey so encourage them to do most of the talking and work! Athletes: Stay focused, work hard, and never lose sight of why you fell in love with rodeo in the first place!
Good luck, and we’ll see you in the Portal!
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