No Shortcuts, Just Work: Noah Sur’s Path to the Big Ten
Noah Sur is Built for the Moment
Some kickers are made in quiet hours.
Others announce themselves when the lights are brightest.
Noah Sur did both.
On a championship stage, with everything on the line, Sur stepped into a pressure most people never experienced; then drilled a go-ahead 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter of the Illinois 6A State Championship, sealing Fenwick High School’s title run. No panic. No rush. Just trust in the work.
That moment didn’t make Noah Sur.
It revealed him.
From Western Springs to the Big Ten
Hailing from Western Springs, Illinois, Sur took his first serious steps into specialist training after his freshman season. Not chasing hype, just chasing improvement. It wasn’t until January 2025 at the Chris Sailer Vegas Camp that everything clicked.
That’s when college football stopped feeling distant.
That’s when belief turned into direction.
Ranked as the No. 3 kicker in the 2026 class, Sur brings a 55+ yard field goal range and 4.0+ second hang time on kickoffs, along with the rare ability to also compete as a punter. Northwestern noticed and didn’t hesitate.
In December 2025, the Wildcats used a scholarship to secure one of the nation’s top young specialists. Sur will arrive in summer 2026, ready to compete immediately in the Big Ten, while majoring in economics or business.
Recruiting Reality (No Shortcuts)
From the outside, Sur’s recruitment looks fast.
From the inside? It felt long.
Four to five months of workouts.
Eight programs seriously involved.
Three to four offers truly considered.
The hardest part wasn’t performance, it was maintaining consistent communication, keeping coaches engaged, and staying patient while the process unfolded.
The easiest part?
Making the final decision.
Northwestern checked every box: elite academics, close to home, big-time football, and a coaching staff Sur trusted to guide the next four years of his life.
“I knew it was the right place immediately after I received the offer.”
That kind of clarity doesn’t come from rankings.
It comes from alignment.
Camps, Exposure, and Real Value
Sur was intentional. He didn’t chase every camp, only the ones that mattered.
National showcases helped get his name out.
College-run camps turned interest into offers.
And that January Vegas camp?
That’s where momentum changed everything.
His advice to younger specialists is simple and honest:
Camps are expensive. Time is limited.
Go where there’s real value, real feedback, and real opportunity to grow.
What Actually Mattered (And What Didn’t)
What helped most?
Hard work on his own time. Preparation. Effort on every rep, every day.
What mattered less than expected?
Social media.
Sur learned early that specialist recruiting runs on a different clock. While other positions grab early offers, kickers wait and waiting can mess with your head if you let it.
“Be patient. Specialist recruiting takes time.”
That patience? It’s now one of his biggest strengths.
Looking Ahead: The Next Step
As he prepares to step into college football, Sur’s focus is clear:
Competing for reps
Build confidence
Be a great teammate
Get stronger in the weight room
Make the room better, not just himself
Success this season isn’t defined by stats.
It’s defined by earning trust.
Final Word
“One key importance to always remember during this process is that hard work and devotion beat doing nothing at all. Patience is more important than rushing. Everything will work out if you put in the time.”
And that’s the truth about this journey.
No shortcuts.
No panic.
Just preparation and waiting for the moment that finally arrives.
For Noah Sur, that moment is only getting bigger.
Follow the Journey
Noah Sur
📍 Northwestern
🎯 Position: K / P
📲 X: @noahsur2026
📸 IG: @noahsur_
🎵 TikTok: @noahsur_
