Riley Leonard eyes NFL stardom after electrifying season at Notre Dame with game-changing performances

Riley Leonard’s journey to NFL stardom began with a question. A question that echoed through his entire career: What’s next? After a standout but injury-riddled career at Duke, Leonard had the chance to answer that question with a new opportunity at one of college football’s most storied programs—Notre Dame. What he delivered in his one season at South Bend wasn’t just a new chapter. It was a full-fledged revolution. With electrifying performances, game-changing plays, and a leadership presence that earned him accolades from coaches, teammates, and scouts alike, Leonard turned heads in 2024, setting himself up as one of the most intriguing prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.

From the very first time Leonard took the field in a Notre Dame jersey, it was clear this was not the same quarterback who had spent the previous seasons at Duke. This was a refined, reinvigorated athlete whose style of play would resonate across college football. By the end of the season, Leonard’s performance had not only secured Notre Dame a spot in the College Football Playoff but had also pushed him into the spotlight as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.

A Fresh Start at Notre Dame

When Riley Leonard transferred from Duke to Notre Dame in the spring of 2024, it was a bold move. After all, Notre Dame has long been considered one of the premier football programs in the nation, with a tradition of excellence at the quarterback position. The pressure to step into that role and excel was immense. However, Leonard embraced the challenge and seized it from day one.

“Coming here was about proving to myself that I could do it on the biggest stage,” Leonard said in an interview after his transfer. “It wasn’t about following someone else’s legacy; it was about creating my own.”

From the very first game of the season, Leonard looked comfortable in a Notre Dame offense that had been revitalized under head coach Marcus Freeman. His chemistry with the offensive line, wide receivers, and running backs developed quickly, and it was evident that he was not just learning the system, but also elevating it. In his debut against Navy, Leonard threw for over 250 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns—two passing and two rushing. This game set the tone for a season that would see Leonard redefine what it meant to be a dual-threat quarterback.

Record-Breaking Performance

Leonard’s 2024 season wasn’t just marked by strong performances; it was defined by exceptional ones. Over the course of 14 games, he broke several Notre Dame records for a quarterback. He threw for 2,861 yards, completed 67% of his passes, and finished with 21 touchdowns through the air. But it was his rushing numbers that set him apart—906 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns, a new record for a Notre Dame quarterback.

In fact, Leonard’s ability to use his legs to extend plays or score in critical moments became one of the most dangerous aspects of his game. He was not just a quarterback who could scramble; he was a quarterback who thrived in chaos. Leonard had a special knack for making something out of nothing, whether it was with a well-timed quarterback draw or a spontaneous 40-yard run after the pocket collapsed. His ability to change the game with his legs, coupled with his strong arm and field awareness, made him nearly impossible to defend.

In one of his most iconic games of the season, against USC, Leonard orchestrated a last-minute, 75-yard drive that ended in a game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Mitchell Evans. This moment showcased not just his physical skill, but also his poise and leadership under pressure. In a season filled with clutch performances, Leonard was a player who thrived when it mattered most.

The Leadership Factor

While the stats alone were impressive, what really set Leonard apart from other quarterbacks was his leadership. Coming into a high-profile program like Notre Dame, there were questions about how quickly Leonard could become a leader in the locker room. But his impact was immediate. Despite being new to the team, Leonard earned the respect of his teammates early on.

“He was a guy who would push you to be your best, but also be there when you needed him,” said Notre Dame running back Audric Estime. “He brought a level of professionalism and a calm demeanor that made everyone around him better. And that’s not something you can just coach. That’s a part of who he is.”

Leonard’s ability to connect with his teammates was on display throughout the season. Whether it was during a post-game huddle, where he would break down film with receivers and linemen, or during practices where he would encourage younger players, Leonard was consistently the heartbeat of the team. His leadership didn’t just come from his arm or his legs; it came from his approach to the game and his commitment to making those around him better.

One of the most telling moments of his leadership came after a tough loss to Florida State in October. Leonard was visibly frustrated but took full accountability for the loss, urging his teammates to stay the course and focus on the bigger picture. That resolve and ability to lift others up would be key to Notre Dame’s push for the College Football Playoff.

NFL Draft Buzz

By the time the 2025 NFL Draft approached, Leonard’s stock had soared. ESPN’s draft analysts were quick to include him in discussions as one of the top quarterbacks available. His physical traits were undeniable. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 218 pounds, Leonard possessed the prototypical frame NFL teams covet in a quarterback. But it was his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs that drew the most attention.

In terms of his arm strength, Leonard showed he could make all the throws, from the deep ball to the sideline fade. But where he truly impressed was his ability to throw on the move, especially outside the pocket, where he was most dangerous. His mobility, coupled with his vision, allowed him to extend plays and create opportunities even when the pocket broke down. Scouts were particularly impressed with his ability to throw accurately while on the run, a skill that is often difficult to teach.

However, Leonard wasn’t without his critiques. Some scouts pointed to inconsistencies in his deep ball accuracy, particularly when forced to throw under pressure. Others noted that his pocket awareness could use refinement, as he sometimes relied too much on his legs instead of stepping up in the pocket and going through his progressions.

Despite these areas for improvement, Leonard’s physical tools, combined with his leadership and big-game experience, made him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class.

The NFL Comparisons

When comparing Leonard to current NFL quarterbacks, there are clear similarities to players like Jalen Hurts and Daniel Jones. Like Hurts, Leonard is a dual-threat quarterback who excels both in the air and on the ground. His leadership qualities and clutch performances in big moments further align him with Hurts’ rise in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, his build and athleticism draw parallels to Jones, who has had success with both his arm and his legs in New York.

But perhaps the most fitting comparison for Leonard is Josh Allen, who, like Leonard, entered the NFL with raw athleticism and potential but still needed development. If Leonard lands with a team that is willing to invest in his growth and allow him to develop as a passer while maximizing his running ability, he could turn into a similar type of dynamic quarterback.

Where Could Leonard Land?

As for where Leonard could end up in the NFL, several teams are a potential fit. The New York Giants, looking for a long-term answer at quarterback, could be intrigued by Leonard’s mobility and leadership. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks and the Las Vegas Raiders, both of which have older quarterbacks, might also view Leonard as a potential future starter to develop behind veterans before taking over the reigns.

Regardless of where Leonard lands, one thing is certain: he will be ready to compete at the next level. His ability to adapt, his commitment to the game, and his leadership will make him a valuable asset to any NFL team looking for a quarterback who can both run and pass with equal proficiency.

Legacy at Notre Dame

Looking back on his year at Notre Dame, it’s clear that Riley Leonard’s impact was felt both on and off the field. In just one season, he reinvigorated a program that had been searching for its next great quarterback. He helped lead Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff, making an instant impact at a program with a history of quarterback legends.

“Riley didn’t just play here,” said head coach Marcus Freeman. “He changed the culture. He gave everything to this team, and that’s something we’ll always be grateful for.”

As Leonard heads into the NFL Draft, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning. Whether or not he becomes a superstar at the next level is still to be determined, but one thing is for sure—his electrifying season at Notre Dame has set the stage for an NFL career that could very well change the landscape of the game.