The Oklahoma State University Rodeo Team will be represented among the nation’s top collegiate rodeo athletes as Morgan Merrill and Jada Trosper prepare to compete at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

By qualifying for the CNFR, Merrill and Trosper will compete at the most elite level of collegiate rodeo after standout seasons in the Central Plains Region.

Set for June 14-20, the CNFR brings together competitors from each of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s 11 regions to conclude the collegiate rodeo season and crown national champions.

Housed within the Ferguson College of Agriculture, the OSU Rodeo program supports student-athletes pursuing degrees across a variety of academic disciplines while also competing in collegiate rodeo.

In the 2025-26 academic year, Merrill accomplished two goals he set for himself by winning the bull riding event at the 2025 Cowboy Stampede and qualifying for the CNFR. He also finished third in the Central Plains Region during his final season competing for the Cowboys.

In May, he earned his master’s degree in agricultural leadership after completing his bachelor’s in agribusiness, all while overcoming years of setbacks throughout his collegiate rodeo career.

“It means I’m finally able to close the door to my college career at peace,” Merrill said. “Between season-ending injuries my first three years, sitting out to heal my senior year, coming up one hole short last year, and finally making it this year has shown me my journey is nothing short of God’s plan for me.”

Trosper, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, secured her first trip to the CNFR after finishing as the Central Plains Region reserve champion barrel racer. She said the opportunity to compete in Casper reflects years of work both in and out of the arena.

“Qualifying for the CNFR is truly a dream come true,” Trosper said. “To compete on this stage is a testament to discipline, perseverance and staying focused these past three years.”

Trosper said representing OSU carries significance far beyond competition results.

“It represents the people who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, the teammates who pushed me to grow and friendships that carried me through some of the hardest times of my life,” she said.

Throughout the season, Trosper emphasized consistency, confidence and trusting both her preparation and her horses.

“Being able to make this journey alongside horses that mean so much to me makes this moment incredibly special,” Trosper said.

OSU Rodeo coach Cody Hollingsworth said both athletes have prepared well throughout the season and are ready for the national stage in Casper.

“I am very proud of the way Jada and Morgan have competed this year,” Hollingsworth said. “Their commitment to the success of the team has played a big role in their individual achievements. I look forward to helping them perform at their best as they compete at the CNFR.”

Story By: Sydney Hollingsworth | sydney.hollingsworth@okstate.edu