PUEBLO, Colo. – If a few riders appear to be rocking some new threads this weekend, it’s because the tour saw two different trades alongside some personnel transactions ahead of Week 9.

There haven’t been too many trades during the actual 2024 regular quite yet.

But things are heating up very quickly in Week 9.

On the earlier side of the week, the No. 1 Carolina Cowboys sent Tate Pollmeier to the Oklahoma Wildcatters in exchange for future considerations. Just 20 years of age, the Fort Scott, Texas, native will get a chance to shine with the youthful squad – as soon as Friday night, as he’s currently in J.B. Mauney’s starting PBR Teams: Anaheim lineup.

RELATED: Oklahoma Wildcatters acquire Tate Pollmeier from Carolina Cowboys

Set to dance with Aries during his debut with the expansion unit, will he be able to make an impact for the 7-11-1 Wildcatters? Placed directly into an immediate revenge scenario, as the Wildcatters and Cowboys are set to battle on opening night out west, it sure would be a storyline, if so!

The other swap that took place involved the Texas Rattlers acquiring their former 2023 Champion in Braidy Randolph from the New York Mavericks while sending Mason Taylor to the Brooklyn-based contingent.

Taylor, who began the season with the Nashville Stampede, was traded to the Rattlers earlier this season and now finds himself on his third team in 2024. He’s shown some flashes here and there but hasn’t been the consistent presence we’ve seen in the past.

Getting the gritty cowboy back in the locker room alongside New York’s second-round selection in the 2025 PBR Teams New Rider Draft, Coach Cody Lambert and his Rattlers will get an opportunity to let Randolph continue healing up, potentially contributing in a depth role sooner than later.

But knowing the No. 3-squad out of Texas is coming off a pair of 4-for-5 wins en route to winning seven of their last nine matchups, means each of the league’s other nine squads have to be a bit concerned the defending champs are getting hot at the right time.

The only team hotter, arguably, would be the No. 2 Kansas City Outlaws, who have exited nine of their last 11 matchups in the win column. Somehow, Sandro Batista continues to lead his orange and black teammates in the MVP race, though 2024 PBR World Champion Cassio Dias has plenty of time to make a late-season run.

One of the biggest question marks coming into the weekend, apart from who will exit the ever-changing standings closest to the league’s two runaways, remains centered around the No. 5 Austin Gamblers.

RELATED: What to Watch For: Can the Austin Gamblers return to elite form in Anaheim?

Set to challenge the (7-11) Arizona Ridge Riders, (7-12) Nashville Stampede and (8-11) Missouri Thunder, they have the type of schedule that would allow for a fruitful showcase. But can they show up and show out without Dalton Kasel in the lineup?

RELATED: Week 9 PBR Camping World Team Series power rankings

2024 PBR Camping World Team Series Standings:

1. Carolina Cowboys (14-3-1) 2. Kansas City Outlaws (13-6) 3. Texas Rattlers (9-9) 4. Florida Freedom (9-9) 5. Austin Gamblers (9-9) 6. New York Mavericks (8-10) 7. Missouri Thunder (8-11) 8. Oklahoma Wildcatters (7-11) 9. Arizona Ridge Riders (7-11) 10. Nashville Stampede (7-12)

Teams aren’t likely to start clinching official postseason spots until next weekend. But knowing how close teams ranked No. 3 through 10 truly are, they’ll all have their best efforts on display in Week 9.

Lineups and draw are in for the ninth of 12 regular season showdowns, so we’re taking a closer look at Friday night’s matchups, rematches and beyond, with some additional game preview insights, latest team transactions and everything you need to know ahead of the weekend’s first slate of games!

With the 5-on-5 heading west, set to invade Anaheim, California, we’re breaking down starting lineups for Friday night’s competition inside Honda Center (With coverage set to begin at 7 p.m. PT via Merit Street).

PBR TEAMS: ANAHEIM STARTING LINEUPS *Denotes a rematch

(9-9) Texas Rattlers vs. (8-10) New York Mavericks Brady Fielder vs. Twisted Oak Hudson Bolton vs. Joy’s Bang Bang Daniel Keeping vs. Oyster Creek Brawler Leonardo Castro vs. Off The Tracks Claudio Montanha Jr. vs. Pistola Davi Henrique de Lima vs. Wingman Qynn Andersen vs. Bambino Mason Taylor vs. Cut Bait *Joao Ricardo Vieira vs. Shot in the Dark Mauricio Gulla Moreira vs. Pay Dirt REMATCHES Joao Ricardo Vieira vs. Shot in the Dark (86 points in Anaheim, California) TRANSACTIONS The New York Mavericks acquired Mason Taylor from the Texas Rattlers in exchange for Braidy Randolph and New York’s second-round selection in the 2025 PBR Teams New Rider Draft. The Texas Rattlers acquired Braidy Randolph and New York’s second-round selection in the 2025 PBR Teams New Rider Draft in exchange for Mason Taylor. The Texas Rattlers placed Marcelo Procopio Pereira on the Protected Roster from Injured Reserve.

Rattlers vs. Mavericks Game Preview The Texas Rattlers have been one of the trendiest teams on tour lately, as the defending 2023 PBR Teams Champions have continued to roll with a majority of their squad from last fall’s successful stretch. That group got even closer back to full power, as the Rattlers ended up acquiring Braidy Randolph from the New York Mavericks this week in exchange for Mason Taylor. Which is somehow not the only trade which took place between teams set to compete against each other Friday night in Anaheim.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, welcome Taylor to the lineup, now the third team the talent has represented during the 2024 season. Which makes sense, given a majority of their riders have been in and out of the lineup at some point, be it due to injury or declining performance. However, the Mavericks have won four of their last seven games, including a weekend-closing victory over the Nashville Stampede last weekend in Kansas City. If Mauricio Moreira can stay hot and keep pacing the pack for Head Coach Kody Lostroh, they’re more than capable of pulling off what would be considered an “upset” by the current league standings. And with the Rattlers just one game ahead of the Mavericks, New York could find itself higher than the No. 6 seed for the first time this season if they can pull off the win!

RELATED: New York Mavericks close out weekend with a win, momentum heading into Anaheim

Texas understands they’re in the middle of a hot streak, though, and likely won’t be cooling down anytime soon after going 4-for-5 in both of their PBR Teams: Outlaw Days showcases. Winning seven of their last nine games, they are looking like a chip contender once again, thanks to one hell of a team effort. There’s no doubt Head Coach Cody Lambert has more talent assembled on his team, top to bottom, but they still need to show up and get the job done. Veteran leader Joao Ricardo Vieira gets a rematch dance with Shot in the Dark as he continues to serve as the squad’s closer, a bull he’s previously bested for 86 points. And with Claudio Montanha Jr. red-hot right now as well, look for the two aging cowboys to lead the way for Texas in this weekend’s opener.

(9-9) Austin Gamblers vs. (7-11) Arizona Ridge Riders Kaique Pacheco vs. Chicken Joe Nick Tetz vs. Body Roc *Callum Miller vs. Manaba Eduardo Aparecido vs. TFB Ranch Crackin’ Back Ramon de Lima vs. Preston’s Piston Bruno Carvalho vs. Lil’ Troy Lucas Divino vs. Top Knot Luciano De Castro vs. Flapjack Jose Vitor Leme vs. Geronimo Keyshawn Whitehorse vs. Red Dirt REMATCHES Callum Miller vs. Manaba (2.20 seconds in Sacramento, California) TRANSACTIONS The Arizona Ridge Riders signed Everton Nathan da Silva to the Reserve Roster. Gamblers vs. Ridge Riders Game Preview Talk about two teams who did NOT think this is where they’d be eight weeks into the PBR Camping World Team Series season. But here we are! We can’t hate on the (9-9) Austin Gamblers too much, as they’re still technically one of the five teams in the league sitting at or above the .500 mark. But we’ve just flat out come to expect more from the two-time regular season champs, who are very much on the brink of falling out of contention for said honors this time around. At the same time, the (7-11) Arizona Ridge Riders, who began the season ranked in the Top 3 of the preseason power rankings with the Gamblers, are a bit farther off track as the Week 9 slate arrives.

Arizona, thankfully for the black and white squad, has turned things around lately after quite the stumble down the league standings, which included a seven-game losing streak. But after going 1-1 in Kansas City last weekend, they’ve been in the winner’s column during three of their last four games. Which is an encouraging sign for Head Coach Colby Yates and company. Returning to the starting lineup for the first time since Aug. 25 while preparing for what will be just his fifth 5-on-5 attempt of the summer, Canadian sensation Nick Tetz could be the spark his Ridge Riders need Friday night, as he readies to dance with Body Roc in the team’s No. 1 spot. He’s a huge sport atop the chutes but will be even more clutch for his team if he can start them out in the ride column and get some momentum flowing for this veteran teammates.

Speaking of veterans … the Gamblers’ squad is littered with them, as the likes of Ramon de Lima and Lucas Divino are primed to join the team’s pair of aces in Jose Vitor Leme and Kaique Pacheco. With Dalton Kasel getting banged up a bit last weekend inside T-Mobile Center, Austin will be fielding a Canadian talent of their own, as Callum Miller gets the nod aboard Manaba Friday night. But the team can’t seem to string several successes together lately, becoming one of the many roller-coaster contingents in 2024. Just 1-1 last weekend in Kansas City, they very much need a bounce-back effort in Game 2 here if they want to keep their regular season championship odds alive, if not secure a higher seed for the 2024 PBR Teams Championship. Leme, who’s also chasing down what would be a third-straight MVP trophy, has the keys to the castle. We’ll just see which doors, or dungeons, the squad is willing to explore.

(14-3-1) Carolina Cowboys vs. (7-11-1) Oklahoma Wildcatters Cooper Davis vs. Benjamin Ranklin Eduardo Matos vs. Hit or Miss Derek Kolbaba vs. Gas Money Cort McFadden vs. Hell Bent Ethan Winckler vs. Taz Bob Mitchell vs. Cold Creek Daylon Swearingen vs. Mercy Tate Pollmeier vs. Aries Sage Steele Kimzey vs. Tropic Thunder Austin Richardson vs. Jet Black TRANSACTIONS The Carolina Cowboys acquired future considerations from the Oklahoma Wildcatters in exchange for Tate Pollmeier. The Oklahoma Wildcatters acquired Tate Pollmeier from the Carolina Cowboys in exchange for future considerations. The Oklahoma Wildcatters acquired Bob Mitchell via Document of Intent from the Kansas City Outlaws and assigned him to the Protected Roster.

Cowboys vs. Wildcatters Game Preview The other set of teams to execute a personnel swap just days prior to facing said contingent during Friday night’s opener in Anaheim involves the Carolina Cowboys and Oklahoma Wildcatters. The very two teams who were involved in the league’s only tie this season. So, while it would be fair to say the teams see each other in a similar light, the official league standings tell a different tale. Which shouldn’t be hard to pick up on given Carolina’s record-threatening campaign showing off in full force since Week 1. The Cowboys need to amass 20 regular season wins to break Austin’s previous best, which is very much in the cards for Jerome Davis and friends. However, after sending Tate Pollmeier to J.B. Mauney’s Wildcatters this week and looking a bit closer to mortal than weeks prior, will they be able to take care of business against the circuit’s No. 8 seed?

Most signs point to “yes,” as they’ve only dropped four total games in their first 18 opportunities. Though, when you consider they’ve already tied Oklahoma, there has to be some extra motivation in the locker room this weekend to make sure they get a bit of revenge against the year one squad. Cooper Davis has a great chance to get his team started in spicy fashion during Game 3’s slate, as his date with Benjamin Ranklin has plenty of promise awaiting. However, it’s rookie Ethan Winckler who may serve as Carolina’s wild card, who’s set to fill in for Adriano Salgado during a showdown against Taz. We’ve seen the kid flash in the past, so expect him to bring his A-game on Friday. Then again, we’d expect that from each of the team's league-leading riders.

Pollmeier is getting the green light from the “Dragon Slayer” and friends right away Friday, set to embrace his first out with the Wildcatters and second overall attempt of the season during a dance with Aries. We haven’t seen much from the talent over the past year and a half or so, as he’s been forced to deal with several serious injuries. But he seems healthy and ready to ride, two of the big reasons Oklahoma was interested. They’ve been up and down a lot lately, with Eduardo Matos and Cort McFadden serving as the team’s top threats. We don’t expect Pollmeier to necessarily adapt that role, but we also know Mauney sure wouldn’t be upset if that’s how things end up playing out! If he can step in and contribute a few rides for the youthful group, the 20-year-old could get some additional chances as the 2024 PBR Teams Championship continues to creep nearer. Austin Richardson, who awaits a date aboard Jet Black, is still looking for his first conversion of the summer. And we expect him to check that box as the team’s closer Friday night in Anaheim.

(9-9) Florida Freedom vs. (8-11) Missouri Thunder *Alex Cerqueira vs. Nefarious Boudreaux Campbell vs. Stay Cool Eric Henrique Domingos vs. Taylor’s Cowtown Throwdown Felipe Furlan vs. Smoke Down Yan Victor Cunha vs. Playmate Andrew Alvidrez vs. Hell Right *Elizmar Jeremias vs. Black Gold Grayson Cole vs. Whacky Wizard John Crimber vs. Sober Train Paulo Eduardo Rossetto vs. Stryker REMATCHES Alex Cerqueira vs. Nefarious (3.53 seconds in Fort Worth, Texas) Elizmar Jeremias vs. Black Gold (87.25 points in Austin, Texas) Freedom vs. Thunder Game Preview Two more teams who would badly love to secure a spot at the 2024 PBR Teams Championship, and very well could, but find themselves stuck in the middle of the league’s vicious standings. The Florida Freedom have been receiving some quality contributions from guys up and down the lineup while the Missouri Thunder riders have been taking turns leading the way in their own right. Which makes for a whole lot of mystery and even more suspense as the squads wait to close out the night one schedule inside Honda Center.

RELATED: MVP race turns into dogfight with multiple lead changes at Outlaw Days

The one thing we know about the Freedom is that MVP race leader in John Crimber is one of the safest bets in sports. But in the camaraderie-driven league, it’s all about depth, with Head Coach Paulo Crimber knowing the rest of this lineup has the talent, they just go up and down in actually delivering on it. Elizmar Jeremias, who led the MVP race himself at the end of Week 1, has a chance to improve to a 2-for-2 slate against Black Gold Friday, a conversion his team would love to see in the heart of their lineup. Knowing the Thunder can be a bit hot and cold themselves, Florida may only need two rides to get the job done.

That, of course, depends on which five guys Head Coach Ross Coleman has in the lineup on any given night. And with Boudreaux Campbell, Felipe Furlan, Andrew Alvidrez and Paulo Eduardo Rossetto all in the lineup at the same time, the Freedom could end up needing three or four to pull out a win from the streaky Thunder. When they’re on, they’re hot, extremely capable of showing off bulls and riding for closer to 12 seconds than eight.

Rossetto has been the team’s most consistent rider by far and will look to continue that trend in Friday’s finale during a showdown against Stryker. But Campbell could end up being the most influential aspect of this game, tasked with getting his team started in as the lead-off man.

Friday Night Bye Games: Kansas City Outlaws, Nashville Stampede FOLLOW ALONG This weekend’s PBR Teams: Anaheim showcase in Anaheim, California, is set to begin Friday, Sept. 13 at 6:45 p.m. PT as the Texas Rattlers and New York Mavericks get the three-day showcase started inside Honda Center.

With competition set to continue Saturday, Sept. 14 at 5:45 p.m. PT and conclude Sunday, Sept. 15 at 11:45 a.m. PT, the final neutral-site event of the regular season will see the world’s best bull riders lay it all on the line with just five weeks remaining until the 2024 PBR Teams Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 18-20!

RELATED: Where to Watch: Anaheim

Fans can tune into Merit Street and the Merit+ App on Friday, Sept. 13 beginning at 7 p.m. PT to take in the four opening night games. Night two’s slate, airing on Saturday, Sept. 14, will also air on Merit Street and the Merit+ App starting at 6 p.m. PT, with all of Sunday’s showdowns concluding the weekend’s coverage on Merit Street and the Merit+ App beginning at Noon PT.

Spanish broadcasts of all three days of action will also air on TUDN, with night one’s action airing on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Noon PT, Saturday’s slate airing on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Noon PT and Sunday’s showdowns airing on Monday, Sept. 16 at Noon PT.

Fans can keep an eye on PBR.com and @PBR social media channels for the latest news, scores, wrecks and more! And be sure to download the Merit+ App to watch all of this season’s exclusive action!

Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media