From NMSU to the pros Moreno made history at the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo

Brad Moreno ’25 etched his name into Aggie rodeo history as the university’s first national champion since 2011 when he won the All-Around Cowboy title at the College National Finals Rodeo in June 2025.

 Q: What does the All-Around Cowboy title mean to you?

Moreno: It’s pretty cool. It’s something I’m very proud of, especially recognizing that I’m the first NMSU national champion since 2011 with that win at the College National Finals Rodeo. 

Q: Now that you’re a 2025 NMSU graduate and competing full-time, what does a typical week look like for you on the professional circuit?

Moreno: I rodeo full-time now. There are times where it’s almost every day, traveling from one place to the next. We go on long drives, rest for a couple of hours, and then go home for a couple of days before heading back out again. It’s always fun, though, and really cool to do, especially when you’re with your buddies or someone who wants the same thing.

 Q: How old were you when you started competing in rodeo and what inspired you to try the sport

Moreno: I can’t remember exactly how old I was, but I’ve been doing it since I was little, itty bitty, for as long as I can remember. My family did rodeo, and I have two uncles that I look up to. I just wanted to be like them since they taught me.

Q: How has your family shaped the cowboy you’ve become today?

Moreno: They’ve done everything. I’ve looked up to my uncle; he’s always helped me with everything from riding to tuning in my roping and making sure that I have everything I need. My whole family does the same thing, too. I always knew that I would have their support behind me. 

Q: As a Diné cowboy, what does it mean to represent the Navajo Nation on a national stage?

Moreno: It’s awesome. Many people in the Nation know me, and it’s always inspiring to see that there are people looking up to me. I like to think that they believe they can do it too when they see me, knowing where I came from and what I’ve done. I take pride in it, where I came from, who I am, and I strive to be a good person all the time, someone who is respectful and who everyone can look up to.

Q: What do you hope younger Navajo or Native athletes see when they watch you compete?

Moreno: I just hope that when they see me doing successful things, they know that they can do it, too.

Q: What are your goals on the professional circuit?

Moreno: This year I want to make it to the circuit finals, the Turquoise Circuit Finals. Hopefully I have good luck there and get a good start to my rookie year next season.

Q: Rodeo can be as mentally challenging as it is physical. What’s your mindset before you compete?

Moreno: Mental is everything. I try to trust that I put in the work when I practice. Even after a bad run, I look at the things that I messed up on, but then quickly get over it and think about the next one because the next one is the most important one. I can’t change what happened if it was bad but just know to keep going and don’t be too hard on myself.