Montana Western Sends Eight Rodeo Athletes to College National Finals in Casper

DILLON, Mont. — The University of Montana Western men's rodeo team is set to compete on college rodeo's biggest stage as eight Bulldogs head to Casper, Wyoming, for the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) beginning Sunday, June 14.

The week-long championship brings together the nation's top collegiate rodeo athletes, with competitors vying for individual national titles and a coveted spot in Saturday night's Championship Round.

Montana Western enters the CNFR after a strong regular season, finishing second in the Big Sky Region with 6,256.5 points, good for 10th in the national standings heading into the finals.

Eight Bulldogs Ready to Compete

Representing Montana Western at the CNFR are:

Cardell Laughery – Saddle Bronc Riding

Cade Costello – Saddle Bronc Riding

Jake Deveraux – Tie-Down Roping

Jeremy Kay – Bareback Riding

Gavin Knutson – Bull Riding and Team Roping

Luke Garrison – Team Roping

Cooper Pavkov – Team Roping

Bry Severe – Team Roping

Competition begins Sunday with the Bulls, Broncs & Breakaway sessions before moving into slack rounds on Monday and Tuesday. Evening performances will take place Tuesday through Friday, culminating with the Championship Round on Saturday, June 20.

Four Bulldogs Making Their CNFR Debut

This year's finals will mark the first appearance on the national stage for four Montana Western athletes:

Luke Garrison

Jeremy Kay

Cardell Laughery

Bry Severe

Veteran Experience Returns

The Bulldogs also bring significant championship experience to Casper. Gavin Knutson is making his fourth consecutive CNFR appearance, while Jake Deveraux is competing for the third time. Cooper Pavkov and Cade Costello are each returning for their second national finals.

Championship Round the Goal

Throughout the week, competitors will be working to earn one of the top 12 positions in their respective events, which would qualify them for Saturday night's Championship Round.

Fans can follow the action throughout the week with live results, while evening performances from Tuesday through Saturday will be streamed live on ESPN+.

With a mix of seasoned veterans and talented first-time qualifiers, Montana Western will look to build on an impressive season as the Bulldogs compete against the nation's best at the 2026 College National Finals Rodeo.