Ken Roczen | Position: 1st

What impressed? That he overturned the narrative that had formed around defeat, heartbreak and trauma. 2026 is his new reference point for most victories, podiums and laps led – few believed (or would even entertain) that he could evolve at the tail end of his career. Roczen hinted as much in media appearances at the term's midpoint, yet those remarks were mostly dismissed. The single digit that adorns his Fox jersey acts as a stark reminder: his talent was never defined by the setbacks that once framed his story.

What comes next? The fundamental question. It'd make sense to leave on top (what's left to prove?) but walking away from a sport that just offered so much is easier said than done. Roczen can win again – it'd be reckless to doubt him – but would the victories feel different now, perhaps even a little hollow? The decision ahead of one more season in the AMA Supercross Championship may simply come down to how much those successes, big or small, still mean. Does he feel complete or crave the trophies, accolades and celebration?

Hunter Lawrence | Position: 2nd

What impressed? Five wins and 12 trophies shattered previous career highs. Hunter finally surfaced from Jett's shadow indoors (remember it was he who was a phenom in MXGP) and cemented his position as a title contender from here on out. It's rare – and impressive – for a rider to be so effective in a season where they claimed a maiden win (Cooper Webb in 2019 was the last comparable example). The title slipped away, but that does little to diminish what was an exceptional campaign.

What comes next? In the short term, an attempt at the 450MX crown. Hunter is positioned to exploit his rivals' weaknesses; Jett's lacking mobility, Deegan must adapt to the 450F, Tomac has to master consistency with KTM, Sexton's yet to be happy with his steed and Prado must slay his demons. Hunter has no notable weakness – unless the emotional drain of his supercross defeat lingers. At this stage of his career, though, only championships will yield happiness. He has played the bridesmaid one too many times.

Justin Cooper | Position: 5th

What impressed? The intricacies of his performances, rather than the scoreboard. Cooper matched his podiums from last year – four in 17 attempts – but could not better his point total. The encouraging signs lay elsewhere: flashes of raw speed and a new assertiveness that was often visible in fastest laps and sector times, even if those details were largely overlooked in the broader narrative. The hope is that the foundation built in 2026 will form something more tangible in the future.

What comes next? There has to be more. Some feel the appreciation of his season is redundant, arguing he should be further ahead in his third premier class season. The clock is indeed ticking. Therefore, this has to have been his last fragmented season. The scoreboard will loom large and steer his narrative next year. The underlying speed is no longer the question. The risk now is that he slips into the familiar "cannot take the final step" category – 2027 will ultimately define whether that label sticks.

Joey Savatgy | Position: 8th

What impressed? His ability to deliver. Many theorized that he could do as well as he eventually did – delivering has become somewhat of an art form in sport though. Savatgy did it, despite a handful of injuries, and upset the establishment aboard his satellite steed (credit to Quad Lock Honda for putting him in a position to thrive). With 11 top ten finishes in 14 starts – four of those being a top five – this was an undoubted success. Only that elusive podium could have made it sweeter…

What comes next? One of the most compelling narratives in SMX. Savatgy feels like someone on the rise (even after almost a decade in the premier class) and capable of capturing trophies on any given weekend, but will the factory teams acknowledge his prowess? Time will tell, yes, but there is little doubt that his trajectory is positive. His 2027 scorecard should resemble that in one form or another – that feels like a safe claim in the wake of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.

Jorge Prado | Position: 9th

What impressed? His rebound. Prado had never been doubted like at the end of his Kawasaki stint and the arena in which he had to silence the critics, supercross, was still somewhat foreign. Two podiums to bookend his season tell the story – yet what transpired between those trophies was arguably the most impressive. Two pole positions, 14 laps led and four top five scores made his first full 450SX term better than most could have dreamed and gave everyone license to fantasize about what he can achieve once more.

What comes next? There is no limit to his talent and potential. An excessive number of supercross wins and podiums lie in his future (and maybe even a title or two). Prado, rumored to have inked a two-year extension to stay with KTM, will amass numbers and accolades that dwarf his 2026 campaign, yet it'll forever be remembered as the foundation for his future success. The steppingstone that took him from obscurity to clear contender – a position he was forever meant to hold.