Haiden Deegan just put out a YouTube update saying he’s jumping on a 450 for WSX. That puts him straight into the deep end with the top guys, and it gives us a clean read on how he looks on the big bike, power delivery, starts, whoops, and race rhythm. It will be interesting to see how his pace and race craft translates when the gate drops.

Deegan had spoken on how he was thinking about making the jump to the 450 to prepare himself to move up for the 2026 motocross series.

Over the past year, Haiden Deegan sealed the 250 West Supercross title in Denver, then rolled that momentum into the summer and defended his 250 Pro Motocross crown with multiple late season overall wins at tracks like Budds Creek and a strong run through the final rounds. In the SMX playoffs he opened with a win at Playoff 1, followed it with a sixth at Playoff 2, and wrapped up ninth at the final to land fifth overall in the 250 standings.

He had already posted some videos on the 450 and seems to have gained comfort quickly.

We expect Haiden to be quick right away and mix it at the front. His starts and speed should put him in podium conversations, especially on tighter tracks. The question is how his aggressive style plays over longer mains and against seasoned 450 riders. If he manages the pace, and keeps mistakes low he can grab podiums and maybe sneak a win. If he forces it, we could see flashes of brilliance alongside the occasional tip over or missed rhythm.