Kansas State Wildcats will head into next season with a different face handling kickoff return duties after the departure of return specialist Bryce Noernberg from the football program following spring practice.
Noernberg, a 5-foot-10 athlete from Olathe, Kansas, had become a reliable contributor on special teams for the Wildcats. During the previous season, he handled 16 kickoff returns and averaged an impressive 29 yards per return, giving Kansas State strong field position on multiple occasions.
His speed and ability to make plays in open space helped him carve out a role on the team despite facing stiff competition for playing time.
However, according to a team spokesperson, Noernberg is no longer part of the Wildcats roster. The news surfaced shortly after the conclusion of spring practices, signaling another roster change as the program continues to reshape itself under new leadership.
The player’s father, Scott Noernberg, addressed the situation publicly through a social media post, where he reflected on his son’s time with the Wildcats and explained some of the factors behind the decision to move on from the program. He described Bryce’s experience in Manhattan as a positive chapter overall, noting that the family appreciated the opportunity to be part of Kansas State football over the past few years.
At the same time, Scott pointed to the changing nature of modern Division I college football as a major reason behind his son’s departure. He explained that the arrival of new head coach Collin Klein led to significant changes within the program. According to the post, the coaching transition brought in a new staff along with additional players who were recruited to fit the new system and vision for the team.
As roster competition intensified, Noernberg reportedly found himself sliding down the depth chart. The post suggested that the increased competition, combined with the evolving structure of college football, made it difficult for him to maintain the same role he previously held on the team. Rather than remain in a limited position and effectively begin again as a walk-on player, Bryce ultimately decided it was best to step away from the program and pursue a different path.
The departure highlights the reality of today’s college football landscape, where roster turnover has become increasingly common because of coaching changes, transfers, NIL opportunities, and scholarship competition. Players who once held key special teams or backup roles can quickly see their positions challenged when new coaching staffs arrive and reshape rosters to fit their preferred style.
For Kansas State, Noernberg’s exit leaves an opening at kick returner heading into the upcoming season. The Wildcats will now need to identify another player capable of handling kickoff duties and providing the same type of field-position advantage that Noernberg delivered last year. Special teams often play a critical role in close games, making the search for a dependable return option an important offseason priority.
Even though his time with Kansas State has come to an end, Noernberg leaves behind solid production as a return specialist and memories of contributing to the Wildcats program during his stint in Manhattan.
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