Kansas State football will enter next season with a new primary kick returner after Bryce Noernberg has left the program, according to a team spokesperson. The 5-foot-10, 167-pound athlete from Olathe averaged 29 yards on 16 kickoff returns last season before his departure.
His father, Scott Noernberg, explained the decision in a social media post, writing, “It was an amazing couple years in Manhattan,” he said, “but then DI college football did what it does. New (head coach) Collin Klein brought in all new coaches and players, paid them accordingly, and No. 21 (Noernberg) found himself at the bottom of the depth chart.” He added that Bryce opted to move on rather than “start over again as a true walk-on freshman.”
A product of Olathe South, Noernberg originally played quarterback in high school. As a senior, he threw for 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,520 yards and 31 scores, showing strong dual threat production. He joined Kansas State as a walk-on and eventually carved out a role on special teams.
During his freshman year, he recorded 91 kickoff return yards on four attempts late in the season. In his sophomore campaign, he played in eight games and improved his career kickoff return average to 27.8 yards, which ranks sixth in program history. One of his standout moments came with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown against Army.
His time at Kansas State also included a difficult moment when he lost a fumble on the opening kickoff against Kansas, though the Wildcats recovered to win that game 42-17. Injuries also limited his availability over the course of the season.
Heading into 2026, his role was uncertain. Special teams coordinator Stanton Weber noted late in spring practices that other options were being evaluated for kickoff return duties. Among the players mentioned as possible replacements were Brandon White, Izaiah Williams, Monterrio Elston, and Rodney Fields.
For now, Noernberg’s next step remains unclear. The transfer portal is currently closed until January, which means his options for continuing elsewhere in college football this coming season are limited.