Why Cooper Webb deserves to be 450SX title favorite

Reigning Supercross champion holds the momentum entering 2026.

Post: Kane Taylor

Too often has Cooper Webb been overlooked in the Monster Energy Supercross 450SX title picture, even while holding three premier class titles and again entering with the number one plate in 2026. That said, with Anaheim 1 marking a brand new series this weekend, it is Webb who many believe starts this season as favorite.

Flying under the radar has been a theme throughout the 30-year-old’s career, despite having earned a solid haul of amateur and professional championships. This narrative nearly cost him a shot at the pro ranks, with a lifeline at Star Racing Yamaha getting him lined up as a rookie in 2013.

Fittingly, he delivered last year’s 450SX title to the organization, but he was once again an underdog, with the pre-season spotlight on Jett Lawrence (Honda HRC Progressive), Chase Sexton (Monster Energy Kawasaki), and then teammate Eli Tomac – who has since moved onto Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Webb would ultimately walk away victorious in a season that went down to the wire with Sexton, marking his third premier class crowns – together with his 2019 and 2021 titles – and a sweet one to obtain at that.

“A long time ago, when I was a 17-year-old kid, they [Star Racing] were the only team in this paddock that gave me an opportunity,” Webb said moments after claiming last year’s championship. “To repay them at this level feels amazing.

“It’s talked about all the time – I’m not Jett, I’m not Chase, I’m not Eli… but I like to say that I’m Cooper-freaking-Webb dude, and I feel like I can get it done. It wasn’t likely, entering the year I wasn’t number one on the list, but I used that as motivation to put myself there.”

Image: Octopi Media.

It is 100 percent true what he says, for whatever reason. I say that because, alongside his trio of championships, he has finished runner-up twice (2020 and 2024), as well as third overall in 2023. That’s an ultra-impressive record, showing both the speed to win and consistency to stay there for an entire season.

Which is why there is no question this year that he is the favorite, and it’s important to both say and acknowledge. And although I would see it as a fact regardless, there are additional reasons that strengthen the case.

Firstly is the absence of the now triple Monster Energy SMX World Championship title-holder, Jett Lawrence. Next, the high-profile team switches between both Sexton and Tomac, and then Hunter Lawrence’s yet-to-be-seen consistent indoor form. Lastly, there is Ken Roczen’s (Progressive Insurance Ecstar Suzuki) initial fast pace, but mid-season struggles to consider.

Naturally, Jett casts a major shadow over the sport because of what he can do on a motorcycle. A serious pre-season foot and ankle injury, however, will effectively rule him out of any title chances. In fact, most don’t expect him back until Pro Motocross come May.

For Sexton and Tomac, they’ll embark on their maiden campaigns with both Monster Energy Kawasaki and Red Bull KTM, respectively, and although both remain title prospects, one would think that there will be some teething moments as they come to grips with their new surroundings.

Not to say that it can’t be done, but lining up against Webb – who is now in his third year with Star Racing this time around – it’ll be challenging to go up against someone with that level of comfort and continuity in year one on all-new teams.

Importantly, Webb will compete on a refreshed YZ450F in 2026, with the new platform perhaps throwing some curveballs his way during the season. Asked about the new machine and defending the title, he remained optimistic.

“My title defense in 2022 – I have a lot of PTSD from that one because it was terrible, and ironically, we also had a new bike that year [laughs],” mentioned Webb during December’s SMX Media Days in Anaheim. “But we’re working hard, and the bike is getting better, so I have a lot of confidence there.

“But I think just not taking [defending] lightly. A few times I have won and – you don’t get complacent – you kind of feel like [it’s] job done. This year is opposite – now I want to go out there and show why I won.”

As for Hunter, he can be considered a wildcard. By all accounts, the former 250SX East class champion is in fine form at the test track and has undoubtedly risen through both the SMX post-season and Pro Motocross ranks in the 450 class to be considered as a genuine threat.

That form has yet to transfer over to Supercross, with an injury at Tampa’s fifth round last year, coupled with ninth overall in his rookie 450SX campaign in 2024, leaving us yet to see what the elder Lawrence brother can do in the series.

Lastly, it’s important to recognize that Roczen held the red plate during the early stages of last season. The evergreen 31-year-old remains one of the most explosive riders at the beginning of races, which, interestingly, translates to his season-long narrative too.

Watch for the number 94 to be ultra-fast from the outset, but the story will be whether he can maintain a championship-contending pace from January to May.

All said, it’s finally time that Webb is consider the favorite, as he eyes rarefied air this year by joining an exclusive group of riders with four or more 450SX titles. That honor belongs only to Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, Ryan Villopoto, and Ryan Dungey, which isn’t a bad club to join for a rider typically deemed an underdog.