Riding Into 2026 in College Rodeo: How to Prepare for the Spring Rodeo Recruiting Season

Founder of Bullfrog Recruiting, Heidi Foy, is pictured with Shelby Rasmussen from Learfield College Rodeo in front of the watch party in Las Vegas at the Westgate Hotel & Casino in December 2025.

It’s been a little quiet around here lately and we did that on purpose. I had a little warranty work done on my back and it was a perfect time to recover, especially after surgery- and, if I'm honest, Vegas!

Now that we’re turning the corner, it’s time to start looking ahead. We found out after Vegas that we were awarded a grant from the Wyoming Business Council so we are in the planning phase of what comes next for this platform. On top of that, spring is one of the most important stretches of the college rodeo recruiting process, and what you do now matters - as a coach and a student athlete.

Spring rodeos give coaches a clearer picture of who you really are as an athlete. Not just on a good weekend, but over time. They’re watching consistency, attitude, work ethic, and how you manage everything that comes with being a student-athlete. For underclassmen, this is often when names start sticking. For juniors and especially seniors, this is when conversations begin to get more serious.

The good news is you don’t need to do everything at once.

Start with the basics. Make sure your recruiting profile is up to date. Check your academic information. Review your event list and update your about you section to include some results. Coaches rely on quick, accurate information, and when something is missing or outdated, it can stall momentum.

Take a look at your highlight footage too. It doesn’t have to be perfect or brand new, but it should reflect where you are now. Clean, simple clips that show fundamentals and consistency go further than flashy edits.

Academics still play a big role, especially in the spring. Grades from fall and early spring semesters matter for admissions, eligibility, and scholarships. If things slipped during the busy season, now is the time to course-correct. Strong academics don’t just help you get into school, they give coaches more flexibility when they’re building rosters.

Communication is another area where spring matters. You don’t need to email every coach out there. Focus on programs that make sense for you. Follow up with coaches you’ve already connected with. Share an update. Ask thoughtful questions about team culture, expectations, and academics. Simple, respectful communication goes a long way.

One of the biggest advantages you can give yourself is using this quieter window wisely. Getting organized now takes pressure off later. It gives you confidence heading into summer and fall instead of scrambling to catch up.

Recruiting isn’t a single moment. It’s a process. The athletes who understand that tend to feel more prepared and less overwhelmed when decisions start coming together.

As we ride into 2026, our focus at Bullfrog Recruiting is helping students and families approach this process with clarity instead of stress. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to create or update your free athlete profile and start setting yourself up for the season ahead. If you are looking for a more intensive helping hand, please stay tuned for a new program announcement! COMING SOON!

Happy New Year!! Spring will be here before you know it.