The Kansas State Wildcats will have a new option at kick returner heading into the upcoming season after a roster change involving one of their recent special teams contributors. Kick return specialist Bryce Noernberg has officially left the football program following the conclusion of spring practices, according to a team spokesperson.
Noernberg, a 5-foot-10, 167-pound athlete from Olathe, Kansas, played an important role on special teams last season. He handled kickoff return duties and averaged an impressive 29 yards per return across 16 attempts, providing the Wildcats with consistent field position advantages whenever he was on the field. His speed and vision made him a reliable presence in the return game, and he was expected by some to compete for an expanded role moving forward.
However, his time with the program has now come to an end, meaning Kansas State will need to identify a new primary kick returner heading into the next campaign. The departure was confirmed by a team spokesperson, while additional context regarding his decision was later shared publicly by his father, Scott Noernberg, via social media.
In his statement, Scott Noernberg reflected on his son’s experience in Manhattan in a positive light, describing it as an “amazing couple of years.” At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges that come with roster turnover in modern college football, especially during coaching transitions and competitive depth chart changes.
Kansas State recently underwent significant staff changes under new head coach Collin Klein, which brought in an entirely new coaching staff and a wave of roster adjustments. According to the post, those changes also included the addition of new players brought in through recruiting and the transfer portal, many of whom arrived with financial and scholarship arrangements that reshaped the team’s depth chart.
As a result, Noernberg reportedly found himself lower on the depth chart than before, facing increased competition for playing time. His father explained that rather than remain with the program and essentially restart his college career in a reduced role—potentially as a walk-on again—Bryce ultimately decided it was best to move on from the team.
While the post included strong and emotional language about the realities of modern Division I football, the core message highlighted the difficult decisions many players face in today’s evolving college athletics landscape. With roster sizes constantly shifting due to transfers, NIL opportunities, and coaching changes, even productive contributors can find themselves in uncertain positions from one season to the next.
For Kansas State, the focus now shifts to replacing Noernberg’s production in the return game. His 29-yard average on kickoff returns provided valuable field position throughout the season, and the coaching staff will now evaluate other options on the roster during summer workouts and fall camp.
Despite his departure, Noernberg leaves the program having made a measurable impact on special teams during his time in Manhattan. His exit marks another example of the changing dynamics within college football, where player movement has become increasingly common in the modern era.
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