Notre Dame quarterback turns heads as Riley Leonard’s replacement race takes a twist early
As Notre Dame’s 2025 football season draws closer, the quarterback competition has been a focal point of attention. While Riley Leonard, a high-profile transfer quarterback from Duke, was expected to take the reins under center, early developments have created an intriguing twist in the race for the starting job. The spotlight has shifted to one of Notre Dame’s quarterbacks who, until recently, had been somewhat overshadowed by Leonard’s arrival and his impressive track record. This unexpected turn of events has not only captivated fans but also shown just how deep the quarterback room is for the Fighting Irish.
The competition for the starting quarterback spot is always a dramatic story at Notre Dame, one of the premier programs in college football. However, the situation this time is especially compelling due to the presence of Riley Leonard, a proven leader and playmaker from Duke, who seemed destined to assume the starting role. But as the spring practices progressed, the emergence of another contender — a quarterback who was often thought to be a supporting player in the battle — began turning heads. This shift has created both uncertainty and excitement, as fans and analysts alike wonder who will ultimately earn the starting job in 2025.
Riley Leonard: The Expected Starter
Riley Leonard’s arrival at Notre Dame was seen as a major coup for head coach Marcus Freeman and the program as a whole. Leonard, who started at Duke for several years, is a dual-threat quarterback known for his ability to both make accurate throws and make plays with his legs. His experience in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and his ability to lead Duke to several notable wins made him a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal. When Leonard committed to Notre Dame, the expectation was clear: he was the heir apparent at quarterback for the Fighting Irish.
Leonard’s track record at Duke spoke for itself. He had established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC, capable of making plays both through the air and on the ground. His accuracy as a passer, combined with his ability to extend plays with his legs, made him a dynamic and versatile signal-caller. Many saw Leonard as the perfect fit for Notre Dame’s offensive system, which traditionally values a balanced attack that can mix a strong running game with effective passing.
From the moment Leonard arrived on campus, there was an air of inevitability that he would assume the starting role. With his experience, leadership qualities, and ability to execute the offense, Leonard appeared to have the inside track on the starting job. The assumption was that he would seamlessly step into the role, bring stability to the position, and lead Notre Dame’s offense as they aimed for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
However, as is often the case in college football, nothing is ever guaranteed. Just as Leonard’s tenure at Duke was defined by success and growth, his path at Notre Dame was set to have its challenges, with the competition for the quarterback role far from over.
The Unexpected Twist: The Rise of the Dark Horse Candidate
As spring practices unfolded, it became clear that Leonard’s presumed lock on the starting quarterback role might not be so secure after all. Another quarterback, who had previously been considered a backup or even a long shot to start, began making waves in a way that turned heads in the coaching staff, the media, and the fan base. This quarterback, who had been somewhat overshadowed by Leonard’s arrival, started making spectacular throws, showing off his athleticism, and proving that he had all the tools necessary to be the leader of the Fighting Irish offense.
This player’s rise has added intrigue to what was expected to be a straightforward competition. The growing buzz surrounding this quarterback has created a narrative that is now more complicated than simply handing the reins over to Leonard. Instead, Notre Dame’s coaching staff, led by Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker, now faces a critical decision as they evaluate their options at quarterback.
What sets this dark horse candidate apart? For starters, this quarterback is known for his strong arm, exceptional poise in the pocket, and ability to read defenses with remarkable efficiency. His athleticism allows him to make plays on the move, something that Notre Dame’s offense has often leaned on in recent years. While Leonard is a dual-threat quarterback in his own right, this player’s ability to make accurate throws while under pressure, combined with his leadership and competitiveness, has generated a sense of excitement and curiosity in the fanbase.
The rise of this quarterback, who has shown rapid growth and development in the spring, has raised important questions: Is Leonard’s starting job really in jeopardy, or is this just a case of a quarterback taking advantage of an opportunity to push for more playing time? Can the coaching staff look past the experience and pedigree of Leonard, or will they opt for the player who has impressed with his performances in practice?
The Impact of Spring Practices
Spring practices are often the first major indicator of how a team will shape up for the upcoming season, especially when it comes to position battles. For the quarterbacks involved, this is their opportunity to showcase their talents and prove that they deserve to be the one leading the offense come opening day. For this particular quarterback, the spring practices have been a revelation.
During these practices, the coaching staff was able to evaluate not just his physical abilities but also his mental toughness and leadership qualities. The quarterback’s performances in situational drills, in-game scenarios, and scrimmages demonstrated a level of maturity and confidence that made it clear he was more than just a potential backup. This was a quarterback who was ready to compete for a starting spot, and he was doing so in front of a coaching staff that values hard work, dedication, and preparation.
One of the key factors that have separated this quarterback from the pack is his poise under pressure. He demonstrated an ability to perform in clutch situations, executing key throws in high-pressure moments. Whether it was threading the needle on a deep ball or calmly navigating a two-minute drill, this quarterback has exhibited the kind of mental fortitude that Notre Dame values. This quality is often what separates the great quarterbacks from the good ones, and it has played a pivotal role in his ascension in the race for the starting job.
The Intangibles: Leadership and Mental Toughness
While physical talent is important, Notre Dame’s coaching staff has always placed a premium on leadership and mental toughness. These intangible qualities are often what elevate a quarterback from a good player to an elite one. This quarterback, who had previously flown under the radar, has quickly established himself as a natural leader in the locker room. His ability to inspire confidence in his teammates, communicate effectively with the offensive line, and take charge during practice has garnered respect from his peers.
Leadership in the quarterback position is crucial, and this player’s ability to take command of the huddle and keep his teammates focused during practice has been a point of emphasis for the coaching staff. Even in practices where mistakes were made, this quarterback remained calm, reset quickly, and moved forward with confidence. These leadership traits are vital for a Notre Dame program that expects nothing less than excellence, and they have given this player an edge in the competition for the starting job.
Mental toughness is another area where this quarterback has shined. Football is a game of adversity, and the best quarterbacks are those who can bounce back from mistakes, rally their teams in tough situations, and thrive when the game is on the line. This player’s ability to maintain focus and perform under pressure has made him a strong contender for the starting job, even with Riley Leonard in the fold.
The Coaching Philosophy
Notre Dame’s coaching staff, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, has long been known for its emphasis on player development and fostering a competitive yet supportive environment. Freeman’s approach has always been one of transparency and honesty, creating a culture where players are encouraged to earn their roles and prove themselves on the field. The quarterback competition is no exception.
Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker have made it clear that the best player will get the starting job, regardless of experience or reputation. This has created an environment where both Leonard and the dark horse quarterback feel they have an equal shot at winning the starting role. The competition is intense, but it is also healthy, with each player pushing the other to improve and rise to the challenge.
Freeman’s coaching philosophy has also placed a strong emphasis on developing quarterbacks who can thrive in a pro-style offense. He values quarterbacks who are not only athletic but also cerebral, able to make quick decisions and lead their team with poise and confidence. Whether it’s Leonard or the dark horse quarterback, Freeman is committed to ensuring that the starting quarterback has the skills and mentality necessary to lead Notre Dame to success.
