UW Bulldogger Jacob Wang Charges into CNFR Finals in Title Hunt

UW's Jacob Wang. Photo by Emily Gerlach, Emily Gerlach Photography

CASPER, Wyo. - University of Wyoming sophomore steer wrestler Jacob Wang is charging into championship Saturday at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) with his eyes on the biggest prize in collegiate steer wrestling.

Wang heads into tonight’s championship short-go in third place overall after three consistant go-round performances. He clocked runs of 7.8, 4.2, and 5.1 seconds, giving him an aggregate total of 17.1 seconds.

His goal? “As far as goals, I plan to win the national title,” Wang said. “That would be outstanding. That’s out of my control, of course - I can only control what I do in my run and nobody else. But as far as the goal goes, that would be it.”

Wang was raised on a working ranch outside Baker, Montana, population just over 2,000. His family homesteaded the land generations ago, and agriculture was a big part of his upbringing.

“I’m fifth generation on that ranch,” he said. “They homesteaded there in Baker years ago. I was raised on the ranch, of course I was around agriculture a lot and then got into rodeo during my high school career.”

He got his start in team roping, but not long after, he gravitated toward bulldogging (steer wrestling), which he excelled at. When it came time to choose a college, the University of Wyoming made perfect sense.

“I knew I wanted to rodeo, and at that time, Beau Clark was the coach at the University of Wyoming and he was a steer wrestler,” Wang said. “They had quite a group of successful college steer wrestlers there… It worked out pretty well for me.”

Wang credits Clark as one of his biggest rodeo influences.

“He was instrumental in my progress and development as a college and rodeo athlete,” Wang said. “We stay in touch frequently and discuss rodeo and other things… I look to him for advice and counsel on lots of things. He’s been a tremendous help.”

University of Wyoming’s current rodeo head coach, Seth Glause, has also earned Wang’s respect.

“Seth is a great guy. He’s been supportive and encouraging and he certainly does everything he can to help us progress and grow as college athletes,” Wang said.

Wange is making his second appearance at the CNFR. His first was back in 2023, where a missed steer in the first round kept him out of contention. But this time, he’s making it count.

Off the arena floor, the ag business major is a perfect fit for the Wyoming lifestyle and values. He’s mechanically inclined, hunting-savvy, and a fan of cold weather, which includes snowmobiling.

“I like to hunt quite a bit. I have a bow, but I’m kind of a hack at bow hunting,” he said with a laugh. “I’m better with my rifle… I used to build and drive demolition derby cars in high school. Mechanics and welding - hands-on stuff. That’s kind of what I like to do.”

As for what’s next, Wang is keeping his options open. He plans to rodeo full time after college, but the ranch and the family legacy in Baker will always be there.

For now, his focus is on one thing - bringing a CNFR title back to Laramie.

“I’m going into a good spot,” he said. “It’s going to depend on what they draw me and how I use it.”

No matter the outcome tonight, Wang has already proven consistency still matters in the arena.