Kansas State Special Teams Faces Change After Bryce Noernberg’s Departure
The Kansas State Wildcats football will enter the upcoming season with a new look on special teams following the departure of kick returner Bryce Noernberg from the football program. The move became public shortly after the spring season concluded, and the situation drew additional attention because of strong comments made by Noernberg’s father on social media regarding the current landscape of Division I college athletics.
A spokesperson for Kansas State confirmed that Noernberg is no longer with the program. The former Wildcat had served as one of the team’s primary kick returners over the last two seasons and was a contributor on special teams during his time in Manhattan.
During his career at Kansas State, Noernberg handled 20 kickoff returns and averaged an impressive 27.8 yards per return. He also recorded one kickoff return touchdown, showcasing his speed and playmaking ability in open space. However, his time on special teams was not without mistakes, as he also struggled with ball security at times and committed multiple fumbles during his stint with the Wildcats.
While the on-field impact of his departure is significant for Kansas State’s return game, much of the attention surrounding the move came from comments posted online by his father, Scott Noernberg. In a Facebook message discussing his son’s decision to leave the program, Scott expressed frustration with the current state of college football and criticized how roster changes and coaching transitions affect players.
According to the post, Scott described Bryce’s years at Kansas State as a positive experience overall before pointing toward major program changes following the arrival of the new coaching staff. He claimed that new coaches and incoming players reshaped the roster and left Bryce lower on the depth chart than expected.
Scott Noernberg also suggested that his son no longer wanted to remain in a difficult position as a walk-on player and decided it was best to move on rather than continue fighting for a reduced role within the program. His comments reflected growing concerns among some families and athletes regarding the modern era of college athletics, particularly with roster turnover, the transfer portal, and increased financial opportunities for incoming players.
In addition to his role on special teams, Noernberg was listed as a wide receiver during his time with the Wildcats. However, opportunities on offense were extremely limited. Over two seasons with the program, he appeared on just one offensive snap, making it difficult for him to establish a larger role in the passing attack.
Heading into the upcoming season, it appeared unlikely that his offensive role would significantly expand. Kansas State returns several talented receivers while also bringing in additional competition at the position. Players such as Jaron Tibbs are back with the program, while newcomers Josh Manning, Izaiah Williams, and Derrick Salley Jr. are expected to compete for meaningful snaps. Returning players like Adonis Moise and Larry Porter IV were also viewed as being ahead of Noernberg on the receiver depth chart.
Even though Noernberg was not guaranteed to maintain his kick return duties entering the season, his departure still leaves Kansas State with an opening on special teams. The Wildcats will now need to identify a new return specialist capable of replacing his explosiveness and experience in the return game.
As college football continues evolving through coaching changes, NIL opportunities, and transfer portal movement, situations like this have become increasingly common across the country. For Kansas State, the focus now shifts toward rebuilding depth at returner while preparing for another competitive season in the Big 12 Conference.
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