No. 1 in the World: Bearkat Bradlee Miller Sets PRCA Regular-Season Earnings Record

No. 1 in the World: Bearkat Bradlee Miller Sets PRCA Regular-Season Earnings Record

Sam Houston State University student and Huntsville native Bradlee Miller has reached the top of professional rodeo, finishing the 2026 regular season as the No. 1 bareback rider in the world and setting a new Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) record for regular-season earnings in his event.

Miller earned $303,911 during the 2026 regular season, surpassing the previous record set by Rocker Steiner in 2025.

Miller’s record-setting season was highlighted by wins at some of rodeo’s biggest stages, including Rodeo Austin, the Calgary Stampede and the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo. He will now head to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas as the No. 1-ranked bareback rider in the world.

For Miller, the accomplishment is especially meaningful because his success is deeply rooted in the community he calls home. A Huntsville native and SHSU student, Miller is the son of longtime Sam Houston State Rodeo Coach, Edward “Bubba” Miller. Rodeo has been a part of his life from the beginning, and he has continued that legacy as a Bearkat both in the arena and in the classroom.

But Miller’s impact extends far beyond his accomplishments in the arena. He exemplifies the Sam Houston State motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service.” Outside of rodeo and his studies, Miller actively gives back to his community by serving at his local church, teaching classes and spending time with the kids at Branded for Christ Academy or volunteering at the Castillo Children’s Center.

His 2026 season is a remarkable accomplishment in professional rodeo, but for the Bearkat community, Miller’s success represents something bigger.

“Being able to represent Sam Houston State University at the highest level of professional rodeo is something I’m incredibly proud of, and having the community behind me makes it that much more meaningful,” Miller said.

Now, with the regular season behind him, Miller will take the No. 1 ranking into the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, putting him in a strong position to bring a PRCA World Championship to his hometown.