The Kansas State Wildcats football program will be moving forward with a different option at kick returner next season after a roster change following spring practice.
Bryce Noernberg, a 5-foot-10, 167-pound athlete from Olathe, is no longer part of the team, according to confirmation from a program spokesperson. Last season, Noernberg handled kickoff return duties for the Wildcats and produced solid numbers, averaging 29 yards per return on 16 attempts.
His departure was later addressed publicly by his father, Scott Noernberg, who shared details on social media about the circumstances surrounding the decision. In his message, he reflected positively on his son’s time in Manhattan but suggested that changes within the program played a major role in the outcome. He noted that following the arrival of new head coach Collin Klein and a reshaped coaching staff, along with new roster additions, competition increased significantly. According to the post, Bryce found himself lower on the depth chart than expected.
Scott Noernberg added that rather than remain in a reduced role or return to walk-on status and essentially “start over,” his son chose to step away from the program. The tone of the message emphasized both appreciation for the experience and frustration with how quickly circumstances changed within a Division I football environment.
Bryce Noernberg originally came to Kansas State Wildcats as a walk-on after a standout high school career at Olathe South. In high school, he played quarterback and posted impressive dual-threat numbers during his senior year, passing for 1,173 yards with 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,520 yards and 31 scores. His athletic versatility helped him transition quickly into a special teams role at the college level.
Once at Kansas State, Noernberg earned playing time early on. As a freshman, he contributed late in the season and recorded 91 kickoff return yards on just four attempts. His role expanded during his sophomore year, when he appeared in eight games and improved his career kickoff return average to 27.8 yards, which ranked among the better marks in program history.
One of his most memorable moments came when he returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against Army, a highlight that showcased his speed and open-field ability. However, his season was not without setbacks, as injuries limited his availability and prevented him from playing a full campaign.
He also had a mixed moment in a rivalry game against Kansas, when a fumble on the opening kickoff briefly put his team in a difficult position, though the Wildcats recovered and went on to win convincingly.
Heading into the upcoming season, his exact role had not been clearly defined, and competition for return duties was increasing. Special teams coordinator Stanton Weber had already begun evaluating other potential returners during spring practice, mentioning players such as Brandon White, Izaiah Williams, Monterrio Elston, and Rodney Fields as possible options.
At this time, Noernberg’s next step in football remains uncertain. Because the transfer portal is currently closed until January, his immediate opportunities within college football may be limited for the upcoming season, leaving his future path to be determined later.
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