As a freshman in college and a PRCA rookie, Tyler Calhoun just added College National Finals Rodeo Champion to his growing list of career accolades.
Calhoun was born into rodeo, raised in a family where roping wasn’t a choice—it was just a way of life.
“That’s what my dad did and all my family, so it was pretty much second nature for me,” Calhoun said.
Already a National High School Finals Champion, Calhoun kept his momentum rolling into college, where he captured the 2025 CNFR tie-down roping title during his freshman season.
“It just goes to show all the hard work and dedication I put into the sport,” Calhoun said. “To get the results out of it—it’s really special.”
Not So Rookie
Calhoun kicked off his rookie year by winning the Permit Finals and punching his ticket to RodeoHouston, where he advanced to the semifinals. He admitted his winter felt rocky, but the stats say otherwise.
“When you look at the numbers, I did have a pretty decent winter for a rookie,” Calhoun said. “To have the opportunity to rope at RodeoHouston and other big rodeos—and to succeed there—it’s just a great way to get my career started.”
Houston wasn’t just a professional milestone for Calhoun—it was personal, too. The Richards, Texas, native had an army of family and friends in the stands, just an hour south of his hometown.
“I had grandma’s, cousins, uncle’s and family friends there,” Calhoun said. “It was a great opportunity to rope in front of people that have watched me grow up.”
And now, as the summer heats up, Calhoun’s hauling with two-time World Champion Shad Mayfield.
“Even though he’s 24 years old, he’s a veteran to the game now,” Calhoun said of Mayfield. “He called me back in April or May and asked if I wanted to rodeo with him. I jumped on the opportunity to soak that knowledge in.”
He’s going into his rookie year with a horsepower lineup that rivals even the most seasoned pros. Calhoun’s top mount is a 13-year-old gelding named PDC Top Cuttin Cat. He also has an 11-year-old sorrel he’s hauling in Canada and a 6-year-old that helped him place in the second round at Pecos.
“My dad’s done a great job preparing me for this moment,” Calhoun said. “It’s great to have three that are really good.”
Eyes on the Rookie Title—and the NFR
His sights are set squarely on the Resistol Rookie of the Year title and a shot at the NFR.
“I set a goal of making the NFR and it’s definitely in reach,” Calhoun said. “As far as the rookie title goes, I figured if I go out here and have a good year, it’ll take care of itself.”
Still, for all his accolades, Calhoun admits to struggling at times with self-doubt.
“Even though I’ve accomplished so much, I still struggle with knowing that I can compete at the highest level of the game,” Calhoun said. “But I’ve got my dad and several different people in my corner that help remind me I’m good enough.”
One of those voices is ProRodeo Hall of Famer Joe Beaver.
“Joe told me, ‘Just go make your run and I guarantee you, if you make your run 10 times, 8 times you’ll be in the money,’” Calhoun said. “That’s a huge confidence booster from an eight-time world champ who’s watched me since I was 10.”
Communicating a Bigger Calling
Outside the arena, Calhoun is chasing another calling—speech communication. It’s more than a major. It’s a purpose.
“Talking to people gives me the same kind of fire that roping gives me,” Calhoun said. “Eventually, I want to go into rodeo broadcasting. I think that’s going to be my retirement plan.”
He’s also interested in sports therapy—specifically the mental side of the game.
“I’d like to work with athletes on their mental game, highs and lows, those kinds of things,” Calhoun said.
Cowboy Christmas and Beyond
For now, though, his focus is on roping calves. He’s rolling into the Cowboy Christmas run with stops in Ponoka, Livingston, Mandan, Killdeer and beyond.
“I plan to take the rest of the summer and figure out my rodeos,” Calhoun said. “I’m gonna be honest, I’m a rookie, I don’t really know everything about entering. I set a goal to make my run every time. When I’m able to win, I’ll win.”
