CASPER, Wyo. - One year ago, Dakota Smith walked into the Ford Wyoming Center as a fresh-faced freshman with only one season of college rodeo under his belt and a newly-minted title as the Ozark Region bull riding champion. 

He did not cover on his first ride in 2025, but did have the highlight ride of the week when he laid down an 83.5 in his final go.  That ride qualified him for the short go but, after an injury, he was unable to cover on the final night and finished 7th overall. 

Smith reflected on his first trip to the College National Finals Rodeo, "Man, I needed to get stronger, you know. I came in here not mentally ready for it.  This year I came in ready...ready for the week."

Now a veteran of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, the Northwest Mississippi Community College sophomore from Kaufman, Texas, is confident and prepared for the bright lights and large crowds.  More importantly for the bull rider, he is healthy.

"I just needed to get my mental (preparation) right and keep my body healthy.  I've practiced all season for this time," said Smith about his second opportunity.

Though he did not win the Ozark Region this year, he performed so well throughout the year that he had locked down one of the top three spots in the region - and the automatic bid to the College National Finals Rodeo - with several rodeos left in the spring. "It helped me start preparing a little earlier than what I did last year," Smith said about his strong season.

In 2026, just as the year before, Smith drew a ride on the opening day in Wyoming.  Ten riders attempted to cover their bulls before Smith, and all ten failed.

The Ranger rider broke that trend with another ride that excited the crowd in Casper.  Smith, riding Wicked As out of the Sankey Pro Rodeo stock, turned a hard right out of the chute and continued for five full rotations before jumping off cleanly with a qualified ride and a score of 80.5. 

Smith was clear when describing his first ride of the week, "It all felt good. Just leaving the chute, it felt great.  The bull just had some good timing, and I just matched moves with him and made it work."

After leaping off the bull, Smith allowed himself a quick fist pump before hopping to safety on the chute gates.  When asked what Ranger fans can expect out of Dakota Smith this week, the sophomore replied "Come out here and ride the rest of 'em.  That's what I've been working for."

Ranger Rodeo continues action in Casper bright and early on Monday morning when Raegan Chance makes her CNFR debut in the barrel racing slack at 8:00 CDT.  Will Collier will compete for the third time in Wyoming during the steer wrestling slack at approximately noon Monday.

You can keep up with Ranger Rodeo on social media and nwccrangers.com.  You can see full CNFR results here.