Goff enters INFR finals after dominant regular season

Posted by Quentin Jodie | Oct 13, 2026 | Rodeo |

50th Annual Indian National Finals Rodeo

WINDOW ROCK

Oklahoma cowboy Dontre’ Goff amassed $51,317.95 during the Indian National Finals Rodeo regular season, earning year-end titles in calf roping and steer wrestling.

Goff, who is part Cherokee, enters this year’s world finals, which got underway Tuesday at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, as a leading contender in both events.

“I didn’t get to place at every rodeo, but I placed at enough of them, so I was very fortunate this year,” Goff said in a recent interview. “I drew good all year and it was a blessing.”

Of his winnings, Goff collected $32,520.29 in calf roping, with his nearest competitor, Quinton Inman, trailing in second at $19,520.29.

“I set a goal for myself to win more this year than I have the past few years, so I had to put my mind to it and make it happen,” Goff said. “Like I said, I was fortunate enough that I drew good all year. I also had a good little team behind me, helping me get to where I needed to get to.”

In steer wrestling, the 26-year-old cowboy amassed $18,797.66, with year-end runner-up Collin Johnson earning $12,511.49.

“I haven’t really practiced steer wrestling in probably six or seven years since I started, so this was a huge surprise,” Goff said. “I just enter because I’m far from home, and it’s another chance to win some more money.”

Although his regular-season winnings don’t count toward winning a world title this year, Goff will have a chance to compete for both championships during the weeklong rodeo.

A total of 32 cowboys are entered in the timed events, with the top 16 advancing to Saturday night’s short round. Goff is looking to be among those competing in the finale.

“I’m confident, but I know once you get there, it’s going to be a whole different atmosphere,” said Goff, who is scheduled to get his first calf and steer Tuesday night. “You know, the cattle are going be different, and every guy that made it have been practicing so it’s not going to come easy. I’ve been getting myself mentally prepared and when that day comes, I’ll be ready for it.”

The Henryetta, Oklahoma, cowboy has a pair of INFR world titles under his belt, winning the calf roping crowns in 2021 and 2023. At this year’s finals, he will use Hotshot as his main mount.

“I have about two, three horses but a majority of the time I’ve used Hotshot,” Goff said. “It’s a horse that my cousin owns, and we bought it a couple of years ago and he’s been letting me win ever since. He’s just so easy to ride.”

In steer wrestling, he will use Ty Allen Fischer’s horse as he hopes to win his first world title in that event.

“I rode my buddy’s horse a lot this year, and he’s another horse that’s easy to jump on and it’s a horse that knows his job, so all you gotta do is do your job,” Goff said.

A couple of years ago, the timed-event specialist came close to winning a world title in steer wrestling, which also would have given him a chance at his first INFR all-around crown.

“I was sitting pretty good on three head, and I drew a steer that stopped on me,” Goff said of his short-round draw. “It was a steer that probably cost me to either win it or finish no worse that second place at the finals.

“It probably cost me the all-around, too,” he added. “I just didn’t draw the best, and that happens.”

As a year-end winner, Goff will receive a $1,000 bonus check from the INFR, along with a buckle and jacket.

Other year-end winners include Steven Dewolfe (bareback, $46,523.04), Creighton Curley (saddle bronc, $21,676.18), Jaiden Harrison (bull riding, $16,606.11), Talan Cummins (team roping header, $17,699.73), Casey Cummins (team roping heeling, $17,983.99), Reneille Sells (breakaway, $17,418.72) and Tara Seaton (barrel racing, $30,298.31).