Riley Leonard has quickly made his mark on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, shining brightly during the 2024 College Football Playoff. Following the team's recent victory over the Indiana Hoosiers, Leonard's performance was instrumental, helping the Irish secure a 27-17 win and ensuring their spot among the final eight teams vying for national glory.
The transfer from Duke has certainly paid off for the 22-year-old quarterback. During the playoff opener, Leonard completed 21 of 32 passes for 201 yards, contributing also 30 rushing yards and two touchdowns—one through the air and one on the ground. Notably, it was his rushing touchdown, his 15th of the season, which set a new record for touchdowns scored by Notre Dame quarterbacks, surpassing the previous mark of 14 established by Brandon Wimbush during the 2017 season.
After the game, Wimbush took to social media to congratulate Leonard, emphasizing the significance of the achievement: "Records are meant to be broken and well deserved! @rileyleonard13_ Congrats my man! Let’s keep winning." This type of camaraderie points to the supportive culture at Notre Dame, as both players continue to push one another and drive the program forward.
Although the statistics reflect Leonard's capabilities, his impact extends beyond mere numbers. Mentioning the upcoming challenge against the Georgia Bulldogs, another powerhouse team, Leonard expressed his focus on his team’s preparation rather than the records he sets: "It's really cool, but at the same time, it's another football game. We're just trying to stay alive and play as many games as we can because we love the game, love preparing for it and we love representing this university.”
Leonard's talent doesn't come as a surprise, considering his impressive performance during his stint at Duke, where he registered 3,666 yards and 33 touchdowns during the last season. Transferring to Notre Dame has allowed him to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage, with eyes glued to his every move as the Fighting Irish pursue championship success. His measured and calm demeanor under pressure has drawn comparisons to established NFL quarterbacks, heightening interest around his future at the next level.
This postseason, Leonard's performances have positioned him as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. With strong athleticism, Leonard has exhibited game-changing abilities, particularly with his mobility and decision-making on the field. Scouts and analysts describe Leonard as having the potential to become not just a solid player, but possibly someone who can flourish under the spotlight of professional football.
The College Football Network recently ranked the quarterback prospects leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, placing Riley Leonard just outside the top ten—indicative of the depth and talent of upcoming quarterbacks. While he is highlighted as one of the top performers on the college gridiron, discussions persist on his long-term consistency, particularly in managing pressure situations and improving his mechanics. NFL teams are always on the lookout for dual-threat quarterbacks who can adapt to various play styles, and Leonard fits the mold with his combination of passing precision and the ability to make plays with his legs.
While critics note room for improvement—primarily with accuracy under duress and lower body mechanics—Leonard's overall demeanor and ability to command the offense stand out. Many coaches at the professional level find such calmness refreshing and indicative of future leadership potential. His capacity to read defenses, make adjustments at the line, and extend plays has impressed analysts and fans alike.
Looking toward the future, Leonard's next outing will be pivotal against Georgia, the two-time national champions. Many will watch closely not only to see how he performs but also to gauge his readiness for the NFL, should he decide to declare for the draft following this season. Further, Leonard's character shines through as he recognizes the talent around him, particularly praising teammates like Jeremiyah Love, who have contributed to the team's success. Leonard remarked, "I got the best view in the house. Every time I hand him the ball, I’m just watching—what’s he going to do now? He just continues to impress me."
This supportive environment both on and off the field seems to cement his strategy for the future—the higher the stakes, the more he flourishes. Notre Dame's ambitious football program has offered him the platform to excel, and as the Fighting Irish prepare for another significant challenge, it is clear Riley Leonard has already etched his legacy within the program, albeit with lofty ambitions still to fulfill. With eyes set on potential NFL prospects, Leonard aims not just to succeed at Notre Dame but to transition smoothly to the next phase of his football career.
Leonard's recent accolades are not only records of the past but building blocks for what could become an illustrious career. The road to NFL stardom is paved with expectations, and as Leonard carves out his identity within college football, all eyes will be on his growth during this pivotal playoff season.
For now, the Notre Dame community rallies behind their quarterback as they look forward to competing against elite programs, hoping for continued success on the field and watching closely as Leonard’s nascent professional prospects come to fruition.
