🎓 The Academic Side of College Rodeo: What You Need to Know (And Do)

There is a minimum class schedule to maintain your eligibility in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

College rodeo isn’t just about horsepower and hustle—it’s about grades, eligibility, and time management too. If you want to rope, ride, and compete at the collegiate level, your academic game needs to be just as strong as your arena performance.

At Bullfrog Recruiting, we believe in helping student-athletes succeed inside the classroom as much as inside the arena. We’ve worked with coaches, former students, and referenced

the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) to help you understand how academics affect your recruiting journey—and how to stay on track.

📚 Why Grades Matter (More Than You Think)

Every coach we’ve interviewed says the same thing: grades can make or break your college rodeo opportunity. Not because you need a 4.0 GPA to ride—but because rodeo teams are tied to NIRA eligibility policies, and coaches don’t want to lose you mid-season due to academic issues.

“If you don’t have good grades, it’s just like having a broken leg. You can’t rodeo without them.” — Rodeo Coach in Big Sky Region

Some schools offer scholarships that are tied directly to GPA, not just rodeo performance. The better your academic record, the more options you'll have.

📄 What You Need to Know About NIRA Eligibility

To compete in college rodeo under the NIRA, you must:

• Be a full-time student (typically 12 credit hours per semester)

• Maintain a minimum GPA (usually 2.0 or higher, though some schools require more)

• Show satisfactory progress toward a degree

That means you can’t take a semester off from class and still expect to compete.

The NIRA has a dedicated staff member to help you answer any eligibility questions, so when in doubt, REACH OUT.

🗂️ College Rodeo Recruiting Tip: Show Coaches You’re Ready

When you reach out to a college coach, include your academic achievements in your athlete profile:

• Cumulative GPA

• ACT/SAT scores

• Planned major

• AP or dual-credit classes

This helps you stand out from the crowd—and it shows coaches that you’re taking your future seriously.

🧠 Time Management Is a Rodeo Skill/Life Skill

Being a collegiate athlete could easily mean early mornings, late-night study sessions, and long weekends on the road. The students who succeed in college rodeo are the ones who learn to manage their time well.

Start practicing now:

• Use a planner or calendar

• Set reminders for deadlines

• Balance school, practice, work, and rest

🔎 Use Bullfrog to Stay Organized

The Bullfrog Recruiting Portal was built to help students keep everything in one place—including their academic info.

Inside the portal, you can:✅ Upload your transcripts and class schedule✅ List your GPA, test scores, and academic goals✅ Get access to scholarship info and financial tips (Elite Subscription)✅ Connect with coaches who care about your all-around success

We’re here to help you build a college rodeo career that lasts beyond the arena – and college.

🎯 Final Word: Academics Are Part of the Ride

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can slack on school because you’re good in the arena. College rodeo is a privilege—and staying eligible is your ticket to keep competing.

Be coachable in the classroom, not just the arena. That’s what makes you recruit-ready.

🎓 Ready to Build Your Academic + Rodeo Plan?

Start by building your free profile at BullfrogRecruiting.com, and take control of your recruiting journey—on every level.