Ponies head to College National Finals Rodeo in Casper
The Panola College men’s rodeo team is set to compete at the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyo. from June 15 to 21. Celebrating more than two decades as the host of this prestigious event, Casper once again welcomes the top collegiate rodeo athletes from across the country for a week of elite competition and tradition.
Led by Head Coach Jeff Collins, now in his tenth year at the helm, the rodeo program has become a dominant force. Since taking over, Collins has guided the team to national prominence, with Panola athletes qualifying for the CNFR every year – except 2020 when the event was canceled. Under his leadership, the program won the national championship in 2019 and continues to build on its strong legacy.
A ProRodeo legend in his own right, Collins is the 2000 PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion, a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, and a 2025 inductee into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
This year, Panola will be represented by six outstanding student-athletes at the CNFR:
- Jayden Broussard – Southern Region Champion Tie Down Roper
- Mac Street – Tie Down Roper
- Mason Yancy – Bareback Rider
- Isaac Ingram – Bareback Rider
- Hayden James – Bareback Rider
- Tyler Wall – Saddle Bronc Rider
“These young men have worked incredibly hard all season, and I’m proud of their commitment to excellence,” said Collins. “The CNFR is the ultimate stage for college rodeo, and we’re ready to represent Panola with everything we’ve got.”