Check out Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard’s career with the Fighting Irish

Riley Leonard’s journey through college football has been marked by persistence, growth, and significant achievements. After transferring from Duke to Notre Dame in 2024, Leonard quickly became one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country, leading the Fighting Irish to new heights. His combination of dual-threat ability and leadership provided a spark to the Notre Dame offense, and his one season with the Irish was nothing short of memorable. Here’s an in-depth look at Riley Leonard’s career with Notre Dame and the impact he made during his time in South Bend.

Early Life and High School Career: Foundations of a Multi-Sport Athlete

Riley Leonard was born on November 22, 2002, in Fairhope, Alabama. From a young age, Leonard demonstrated an athletic versatility that would become a hallmark of his career. His high school years at Fairhope High School were impressive, as he not only excelled on the football field but also made his mark on the basketball court. Leonard’s ability to contribute to multiple sports helped shape his overall athleticism, which would later translate into his success as a dual-threat quarterback.

In high school, Leonard was a standout in both sports. He was named the Class 7A Alabama Player of the Year in basketball, showcasing his leadership and all-around skills on the court. His football talents were just as impressive, as he passed for over 3,000 yards and 35 touchdowns in his senior season, solidifying himself as one of Alabama’s top quarterbacks. Despite being a highly regarded prospect, Leonard’s recruitment process saw him commit to Duke University, a decision that would ultimately help shape his career.

Duke University: Rising Star in the ACC

Riley Leonard’s college football journey began at Duke University, where he initially played behind established quarterbacks. Leonard redshirted his freshman year in 2020, learning the ins and outs of the college game. It was in 2021, however, that he began to show flashes of his potential. Leonard took over the starting quarterback role in 2022, and it was there that his skills as a dual-threat quarterback truly began to shine.

During the 2022 season, Leonard led Duke to an impressive 9-4 record, their best record in over a decade. He passed for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also rushing for 699 yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground helped transform Duke’s offense into one of the more exciting units in the ACC. Leonard’s performance earned him praise from coaches, analysts, and teammates alike. His ability to read defenses, coupled with his exceptional mobility and vision, made him one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC and drew the attention of major college football programs.

In 2023, Leonard’s season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just seven games. Still, he managed to pass for 1,102 yards and rush for 352 yards, showing his resilience and capability to produce even when not at 100%. Despite the injury setbacks, Leonard continued to prove himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football, and his time at Duke helped establish the foundation for his future success.

Transfer to Notre Dame: A New Beginning in South Bend

In December 2023, after an injury-plagued season at Duke, Riley Leonard made the decision to transfer to Notre Dame, a program with a rich football history and a strong track record of developing quarterbacks. Leonard’s decision to move to Notre Dame came as a result of his desire to compete at the highest level and challenge himself against the best competition in college football. Additionally, Leonard’s family had a deep connection to the university, with his great-grandfather being a proud Notre Dame alumnus.

Upon arriving in South Bend, Leonard was immediately seen as the player to lead the Fighting Irish’s offense. Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, had a clear vision for the team in 2024, and Leonard was integral to that vision. As a dual-threat quarterback, Leonard offered a unique skill set that was rare for Notre Dame, who had historically relied on pocket passers. His combination of passing accuracy, decision-making, and running ability would give Notre Dame’s offense an added dimension that it had not experienced in recent years.

2024 Season: A Historic Campaign with Notre Dame

Riley Leonard’s lone season at Notre Dame was nothing short of spectacular. The 2024 season saw Leonard elevate the Fighting Irish offense, breaking numerous records and leading the team to its first College Football Playoff appearance in several years. His impact was immediate, and the Irish were ready to compete for a national championship.

Statistical Brilliance

In 2024, Leonard had a remarkable season that saw him produce some of the most impressive numbers in college football. He passed for 2,861 yards and 21 touchdowns, displaying remarkable accuracy and poise in the pocket. However, it was his ability to make plays with his legs that truly set him apart from other quarterbacks. Leonard rushed for 906 yards and 17 touchdowns, setting a new Notre Dame record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. His versatility on the field made him a constant threat and a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Leonard’s total of 230 points in the 2024 season ranked second in single-season Notre Dame history, a testament to his ability to put points on the board. His all-around contributions helped Notre Dame become one of the most potent offenses in the country, with Leonard playing a major role in every facet of the game.

Leading Notre Dame to the Playoffs

Under Leonard’s leadership, Notre Dame found itself back in the College Football Playoff, a feat that had eluded the team for several years. Leonard’s performances in big games were pivotal to the Irish’s success, and his ability to perform under pressure was crucial in the team’s playoff run.

In the first round of the playoffs, Notre Dame faced a tough Indiana team, but Leonard led the Fighting Irish to a 27-17 victory. His ability to make key throws in critical moments helped his team secure the win, and his leadership was on full display. In the Capital One Orange Bowl, Notre Dame faced off against Georgia in the playoff semifinals. Leonard played a key role in the game, throwing for over 250 yards and running for two touchdowns, leading the Irish to a 23-10 victory.

The National Championship game saw Notre Dame square off against Penn State. The Fighting Irish battled hard throughout the game, and Leonard’s performance helped seal the victory. He threw for 300 yards and accounted for three total touchdowns in a thrilling 27-24 win. Leonard was named Offensive MVP in both the Orange Bowl and the National Championship game, solidifying his legacy as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

Legacy at Notre Dame: Impact Beyond the Field

While Riley Leonard’s time at Notre Dame was short, his impact on the program was immeasurable. His performance helped restore Notre Dame’s relevance in the College Football Playoff picture and raised the expectations for the Fighting Irish moving forward. Leonard’s ability to lead Notre Dame to a national championship appearance in his lone season with the team was an achievement that fans and analysts would remember for years to come.

Leonard’s dual-threat abilities changed the way Notre Dame viewed its offensive system. His versatility as both a passer and a runner gave the coaching staff new opportunities to diversify the offense, and his leadership helped develop the younger players around him. Additionally, Leonard’s success on the field inspired a new generation of quarterbacks to look to Notre Dame as a destination for top-tier quarterback development.

NFL Draft and the Next Chapter

After his impressive season with Notre Dame, Riley Leonard declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. His stock soared throughout the 2024 season, and he was ultimately selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the draft. While many projected him to be a higher pick, Leonard’s unique skill set and potential as a developmental player make him an intriguing prospect for the Colts.

As Leonard embarks on his professional career in the NFL, his legacy at Notre Dame remains cemented. He revitalized the Fighting Irish offense, brought them back to national prominence, and left behind a blueprint for future quarterbacks at the university. Leonard’s one season in South Bend may have been brief, but it was undoubtedly one of the most impactful in recent Notre Dame history.

Riley Leonard’s time at Notre Dame was nothing short of extraordinary. He arrived as a transfer quarterback and quickly became one of the most dynamic players in college football. His dual-threat abilities, leadership, and performance in clutch moments helped lead Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff and a National Championship appearance. Leonard’s legacy at Notre Dame will be remembered for years to come, and his success at Notre Dame served as a springboard to his professional career in the NFL. While his time with the Fighting Irish was short, it was filled with remarkable achievements that will forever be etched in Notre Dame’s football history.