Kansas State football is now without one of its primary special team standouts in former wide receiver and kick returner Bryce Noernberg. Fans might want to sit down for this one, because this situation looks a little messy.
Bryce Noernberg’s Time With Kansas State Football Comes to an End
Noernberg was one of Kansas State's primary kick returners during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. According to a social media post and made by his father on Wednesday among other reports, he's no longer a member of the Wildcats roster.
NEW: Kansas State WR and Kick Returner Bryce Noernberg has left the program.
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) May 6, 2026
His father announced the move on Facebook and criticized the coaching changes under new HC Collin Klein for the decision:
Scott Noernberg: “It was an amazing couple of years in Manhattan, but then D1… pic.twitter.com/uXNYmxIpIZ
"It was an amazing couple of years in Manhattan, but then D1 College Football did what it does," Noernberg's father wrote. "New HC Collin Klein brought in all new coaches and players ... paid them accordingly, and Bryce found himself at the bottom of the depth chart."
The post references the hiring of first-year head coach and former Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein following the retirement of longtime head coach Chris Klieman. Upon his arrival, it's fair to say that Klein cleaned house and brought in his own staff, something that naturally happens when a new head coach is hired.
Figure in the fact that Klein joined the Wildcats after a brief stint with Texas A&M in the SEC, and it might not be a stretch to say that he brought in a higher caliber of talent.
"Well done, Bryce! I am so proud that you stood up to the system," the post continued. "D1 athletics is in a very sad state, and it's times like these that make you grow as a man!"
Bryce Noernberg's moments at Kansas State
Noernberg's time with the Wildcats didn't see much beyond the occasional special teams appearance. The highlight of his time on special teams came last season against UCF, a game in which he returned a second quarter kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown.
BRYCE NOERNBERG FROM 99 YARDS OUT IN MANHATTAN
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 7, 2025
That man was gone. 😤😤#Big12FB | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/9k4yErifYk
Against Kansas last season, he fell victim to an early, unfortunate fumble that set the Jayhawks up in the red zone. The Wildcats still ended up winning the game 42-17 in one of the biggest Sunflower Showdown blowouts since 2010.
In total, Noernberg returned 20 kicks, averaging just shy of 28 yards per return. He'll exit ahead of this season with multiple years of eligibility remaining.
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