*The rankings and opinions expressed by the author are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views or positions of PBR or its affiliates.

As the summer heats up and Pro Rodeo athletes begin their “Christmas in July” run, kicking off with the Xtreme Bulls on June 19 and then the rodeo in Reno, Nevada, there’s no shortage of action across the Western sports world. It’s cowboy chaos in the best way—with three major paths unfolding at once.

Some PBR riders will stay home and rest up for the grueling team season ahead, while others will chase momentum in Chad Berger’s King of the North series, where $100,000 is on the line. Meanwhile, many more will keep grinding it out for points and payouts in the newly revised PBR Challenger Series. After all, not everyone can be on a team roster, and this stretch of the calendar—aptly nicknamed Cowboy Christmas—might be their best shot to break through or get hot at the right time.

Still, while the summer run scatters talent across the country, all eyes within the PBR begin to shift toward one thing: the return of the PBR Camping World Team Series, now heading into its fourth season with more hype, more storylines, and more talent than ever before.

From July 11–13, the 2025 campaign officially kicks off in Oklahoma City with Wildcatter Days, hosted by the hometown Oklahoma Wildcatters at the Paycom Center. All 10 teams will be looking to start strong and set the tone for the season.

Last year’s Team Series saw league expansion, jumping from eight teams to ten with the addition of the Wildcatters and the New York Mavericks. Now, with a full offseason under their belts, it’ll be interesting to see how the expansion teams rebuild and come back stronger in 2025.

For those unfamiliar with the format, this isn’t the same PBR you grew up watching on television. The Team Series brings a professional sports structure to bull riding, creating loyal fan bases for each city-based team, complete with front office staffs, head coaches, trainers, draft picks, trades, and championship chases. Each team will roll into Oklahoma City with the goal of building early momentum—because everyone in the league knows: in this format, slow starts usually affect a team’s final seed heading into the playoffs.

The 2025 season promises everything from blockbuster matchups and strategic shakeups to the emergence of new fan-favorite riders and potentially legacy-defining performances. The stakes are higher. The pressure is heavier.

And all eyes are squarely on the reigning champs, the Austin Gamblers.

Will they be able to go back-to-back?

Before the gates swing open in Oklahoma City, we’re breaking down our Preseason Power Rankings—team by team—looking at who’s stacked, who’s rebuilding, and who’s got the most to prove heading into Season 4.

This offseason has seen several major shakeups across the league, with some of the biggest names in bull riding changing jerseys. The most surprising of all? Sage Steele Kimzey—a living legend in both PRCA and PBR circles—moves from the Carolina Cowboys to the Austin Gamblers.

With this and a series of other trades, rosters are starting to take shape. And based purely on talent and depth—not factoring in injuries just yet—here’s how I see things shaking out going into the new season.

Power Ranking #1: Austin Gamblers – Built for a Second Title Run

If the Austin Gamblers can stay healthy, they have the tools to dominate. Their lineup now includes two riders who are nothing short of game-changers: Jose Vitor Leme and Sage Kimzey.

Jose Vitor Leme looked absolutely locked in at the 2025 Unleash The Beast World Finals in Fort Worth/Arlington, Texas, becoming one of only three men to ever win three World Championships in the PBR. He now joins the ranks of legendary riders such as Adriano Moraes and Silvano Alves. If he brings that same level of focus into the Team Series, there’s no telling how high his riding percentage will climb. He’s the undisputed home run hitter of this roster.

But when you add Sage Kimzey to the mix—a seven-time PRCA World Champion, three-time CBR World Champion, and a consistent top-five contender in the PBR for as long as he wants to be—things get serious. Even though he was pretty beat up at the 2025 UTB World Finals, the time between the end of UTB and the start of the Teams season – about seven weeks – could give him just enough room to recover.

If he comes in anywhere near his usual form, it could be a career-redefining season for Sage—and a title-contending year for the Gamblers.

Expect both Jose and Sage to be in the MVP conversation for most of the season.

And let’s not forget Mr. 90 Points himself, Dalton Kasel. He just had one of his best UTB seasons to date, leading in event wins with five and coming up just short at the Finals. Heading into the new season, frustratingly denied the individual world title, Kasel is hungry to win another Teams championship and league MVP.

Top that off with 2018 PBR World Champion Kaique Pacheco—aka The Iceman—and you have a roster that can ride anything, in any pen, in any direction. They’re strong on paper, deep in experience, and loaded with big-game riders.

It’s for all those reasons—and many more—that I have no choice but to call them my preseason favorites going in and power ranked number one.

Power Ranking #2: Carolina Cowboys – Young, Deep, Dangerous

Another major move this offseason was Clay Guiton heading from the Oklahoma Wildcatters to the Carolina Cowboys. That move alone makes Carolina, in my eyes, the second-best team in the league heading into Season 4.

The Cowboys have assembled a roster with the perfect balance of youth, experience, and raw talent:

• Guiton, one of the most dependable and athletic riders in the league who finished the 2025 UTB season No. 6

• 2016 PBR World Champion Cooper Davis, a tested champion and fierce competitor

• Derek Kolbaba, a tough-as-nails rider with the potential to turn the tide in any matchup

• Adriano Salgado, known for big rides and explosive finishes

• 2022 PBR World Champion Daylon Swearingen, who brings a grinder’s mindset and championship toughness

But perhaps the most exciting storyline for Carolina is Ethan Winkler. He’s still young and finding his rhythm, but you can see the growth. Through the UTB season—and with the guidance of his coaches, teammates, and veteran Cowboys—Winkler has matured into a rider to watch. If he figures it all out this year, he could become the league’s next breakout star.

So even though we don’t have all the injury updates just yet, when you go off roster strength alone, the Cowboys land solidly at #2 in my preseason rankings.

Power Ranking #3: Missouri Thunder – Don’t Sleep on the Cinderella Story

This one may raise some eyebrows but hear me out: the Missouri Thunder land at #3 in my preseason power rankings. I believe they’re about to have their best season yet.

Leading the charge is Paulo Eduardo Rossetto, a rider unlike anyone else in the sport today. He’s the only guy I’ve ever seen at this level consistently ride with both hands – and do it with success. That kind of versatility is rare. And yes, I believe it gives Missouri a real edge.

Joining him is Andrew Alvidrez, a rider who doesn’t know the word “quit.” He gives it everything he has, every single time. That same grit shows in Boudreaux Campbell—a PBR World Finals event winner and fan favorite. When Boudreaux is healthy and focused, this team becomes downright dangerous.

Another key addition is Maverick Smith. I’m honestly surprised New York let him go, especially with the potential he’s shown. Pairing him with someone like Hudson Bolton in New York could’ve created a great tandem for their future. But that decision definitely strengthens Missouri’s lineup.

And let’s not forget Felipe Furlan – another strong and consistent hand in their pen.

If this team stays healthy and stays hungry, they might just be the Cinderella story of the 2025 season. For all those reasons, the Missouri Thunder are my pick for Power Ranking #3.

Power Ranking #4: Kansas City Outlaws – Still Loaded with Firepower

This team could have just as easily been my number three pick. The 2024 Camping World Team Series Regular Season Champions, the Kansas City Outlaws, are returning with a deep and dangerous roster—and they are not to be overlooked.

Leading the way is your 2024 PBR World Champion Cassio Dias. This man is as consistent as they come and is quickly building a legacy of greatness. When he rides, Kansas City always has a shot.

Then you’ve got Missouri’s own Koltin Hevalow. When he stays forward and doesn’t get what I call the “Willingham lean-back,” he can ride just about anything. That’s been his Achilles heel throughout his career; he sometimes gets too far back on his bulls. But since the start of the PBR Team Series, we’ve seen a real shift in his riding percentage and overall performance. When he stays focused, Koltin is a difference-maker.

Sandro Batista is another rider who consistently steps up, especially when he’s paired with the right bull. He’s dependable and dangerous when matched up properly. Then there’s Julio Cesar Marques, who’s shown he can be a spark plug in their lineup and has potential to take over games on his own.

When this team is firing on all cylinders, they’re one of the hardest to beat in the league. The only reason they land at #4 instead of higher is because I expect a surprising run from Missouri this year. But make no mistake. Kansas City – who have won the most regular season games in league history - is a legitimate title contender, and with 2024 Coach of the Year J.W. Hart at the helm, they’ve got every piece they need to finish what they started last season.

Power Ranking #5: Oklahoma Wildcatters – Talent-Rich but Full of Questions

The Oklahoma Wildcatters, led by head coach and two-time World Champion (2013, 2015) J.B. Mauney, known as the “Dragon Slayer,” come in at #5.

This team is truly stacked with talent. Eduardo Matos was one of the most consistent riders in the league last season. Combine him with a guy like Cort McFadden, and you’ve got a solid core.

Josh Frost, the 2024 PRCA bull riding World Champion, is always an impact player anywhere he shows up, and his first rodeo back is just days away. The question is: is he fully committed to the team series, or will he juggle a run at the NFR as well? I think he’ll do his best to balance both, but you can bet that when he’s in the lineup, he will make a huge difference in the outcomes of games.

Noticeably absent from this year’s roster is Clay Guiton, who was traded to the Carolina Cowboys in the offseason.  However, after making four selections in the 2025 Draft they believe that they can mold a new star or two under the leadership of Coach Mauney.

Another huge question surrounding this team is the health of Kyler Oliver. We haven’t seen him in quite some time. He’s also a difference-maker. But because I have so many question marks surrounding this team, I’ve got to place them right here in the middle of the pack.

Power Ranking #6: Arizona Ridge Riders – Better Than Their Record

The Arizona Ridge Riders are coached by former NFR qualifier, PBR World Finals qualifier, and Iron Cowboy Champion Colby Yates.

Every team in this league is stacked, but last year, this team really struggled. They rode a lot of bulls – just seemed to always have the other team get one more score.

They’re bringing back a great group of guys this year. Luciano De Castro is a very consistent rider but look for opposing coaches to throw the challenge flag during his rides. His free arm stays very low, and that makes his style an easy target for reviews.

Pair him with Keyshawn Whitehorse, who’s usually the workhorse of the group. He often ends up with the toughest bull in the pen, but I actually think Keyshawn embraces that role and enjoys the challenge.

It’ll be fun to see if Colten Fritzlan can return—and if he’s ready to go, that’s a huge asset to this team.

Another big one is “Fast Eddie” Eduardo Aparecido. He’s always consistent. If he can stay healthy and focused, the Ridge Riders could easily climb out of sixth in these power rankings by the time the season’s over.

Power Ranking #7: Florida Freedom – MVP Talent but Needs Depth

Florida Freedom, led by young phenom John Crimber and coached by his dad, ten-time PBR World Finals qualifier Paulo Crimber, come in at number seven on my list.

John is your 2024 Camping World Team Series MVP, and this year, I think the team he leads under his dad’s watch could put it all together – if they can stay healthy and match their riders correctly.

Joao Ricardo Vieira is a new addition to the Freedom, after signing as an unrestricted free agent after his contract expired with the Texas Rattlers. If they give him the right matchups and he feels good, he’ll produce. The only thing working against that guy is Father Time, but when you pair him correctly, he still delivers.

Also returning is Elizmar Jeremias, the 2025 Reserve Rookie of the Year. Florida was in some real close battles throughout the 2024 season, and that shows they’ve got fight.

One of the biggest questions is how healthy Crimber is after re-injuring himself during the PBR World Finals in Arlington, Texas. Hopefully, all these guys feel refreshed after a little break and come back decently healthy—and that goes for all teams.

Power Ranking #8: Texas Rattlers – Too Talented to Stay This Low

The Texas Rattlers, led by legendary Cody Lambert, former livestock director of the PBR, who may just pin this ranking on the locker room wall for motivation, come in at number eight—for now.

Many people are probably wondering: why does a team that’s won a championship before rank so low in the preseason? Let me explain.

Texas is loaded with firepower, including Brady Fielder, Daniel Keeping, and Claudio Montanha Jr., just to name a few. This team will absolutely move up the power rankings. History shows they typically start the season slow, build momentum, and then finish strong.

That’s been their pattern in previous seasons, and it’s worked. They are the 2023 Camping World Team Series Champions after all. They’ve been there. They know what it takes. And if they follow the same script, expect them to be much higher by the time the regular season ends.

Power Ranking #9: Nashville Stampede – Looking to Regain Their Form

The Nashville Stampede, your inaugural PBR Camping World Team Series Champions back in 2022, are led by two-time PBR World Champion Justin McBride (2005, 2007) whose fiery pregame speeches motivated a last place team to catch fire and mount upset after upset in Las Vegas to win the inaugural league championship.

McBride probably won’t put this ranking on the wall. I’d imagine he sure would cuss about it, and his passion is one reason that team should rise from No. 9.  

He has lots of talent to work with. Names like Alan de Souza, Kaden Loud, Cody Jesus, Vitor LoSnake, Austin Richardson, and Briggs Madsen make up a core group that should be winning more than they are.

But last season, they really struggled. One major issue was getting in and out of the chute on time. And while that’s happened to just about everyone at some point, taking a zero like that can absolutely decide the outcome of a game. If they don’t clean that up, it could be costly again.

That said, I’m excited to watch young Kaden Loud. He’s fun to watch: super talented, looks great on the back of bulls, and has a ton of potential. Under McBride’s leadership and with strong teammates around him, Loud, who finished 9th in the 2025 UTB season, is only going to get better.

Alan de Souza was really consistent for Nashville last year, and if he stays steady, that will help this team climb.

They’re hoping to stampede their way through the competition once again. Will they do that? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this coach and his roster know what it takes to win when it truly matters, just like they did back in their title run at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Power Ranking #10: New York Mavericks – Watch for a Climb

Rounding out the preseason power rankings are the New York Mavericks, one of last year’s expansion teams in the move from 8 to 10 teams.

They’ve got a great coach in 2009 PBR World Champion Kody Lostroh, who is familiar with the mental lockdowns needed to win at the highest level.

Last year, New York’s season was riddled with injuries, and they just couldn’t seem to catch a break. But that doesn’t mean they’re lacking talent—not at all.

They’re bringing back the reigning 2025 PBR Rookie of the Year Hudson Bolton, alongside Mauricio Moreira, Mason Taylor, Caden Bunch, and a few other very capable riders.

If this team can stay healthy and gel early, don’t expect them to stay in 10th long. I fully expect the New York Mavericks to move up significantly as the season progresses.

It’s Bull Riding: Making Predictions Can Be A Fool’s Game

These teams are going to shift as the season progresses. The number ten team might end up beating the number one team—because in bull riding, there’s no such thing as layups. Factor in that this is the world’s most dangerous sport. Injuries will happen, and that could change the dynamic of every team’s season.

I’m old school—bull riding is still bull riding regardless of the format. It’s one man versus an 1,800-pound animal athlete who was born and bred to do this, much like racehorses are born to run fast. So, to me, it doesn’t matter which jersey a bull rider wears. As long as you give it 110% every time you nod your head, I’m going to be cheering for whoever has their hand in that bull rope.

I hope each rider has tremendous success moving forward in every aspect of their careers. Because when you ride with heart and determination—no matter how beat up or sore you are—and you want it bad enough to do whatever it takes to make the whistle every time, I don’t care what your jersey says: you’re doing it for the right reasons. So, I’m riding with every athlete in spirit, and I’ll be cheering all of them.

If each bull rider does his job as an individual and let the judges handle the rest, we should see a lot of really close games—and hopefully, two teams go perfect during a game multiple times this season. But the one thing I want to see most is how much confidence it gives the young guys to be around those veterans, and how they progress moving forward in their careers—whether that’s during the traditional Unleash The Beast series or in the Teams format.

A personal note: Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this. If you don’t mind, take a look at a foundation near and dear to my heart. I’m the COO and cofounder of the Midwest Outdoors Adaptability Foundation, and I’d love for you to check out our website: www.moafoundation.org. While you’re there, give us a follow on our social media platforms, and let’s work together to help put lives that were thrown off track – through no fault of their own – back on track.

Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media