Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore earns recognition, named to the prestigious Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list for leadership and performance

The University of Notre Dame continues to uphold its reputation for developing not only outstanding athletes but also exceptional leaders. That tradition carries on with the recent announcement that cornerback Leonard Moore has been named to the 2025 Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list, a prestigious honor recognizing defensive players who demonstrate excellence both on and off the field.

Moore’s inclusion on this watch list is a testament to his rising star within the Fighting Irish program and highlights the character and performance that have made him a standout under head coach Marcus Freeman. As one of the most respected awards in college football, the Lott IMPACT Trophy reflects values that Notre Dame has long cherished — integrity, maturity, academics, community, and tenacity — all of which Leonard Moore embodies.

This article takes a deep dive into Moore’s path to this recognition, his performance on the field, his leadership qualities, and what this honor means for both him and the Notre Dame football program.

What Is the Lott IMPACT Trophy?

Before exploring Moore’s journey, it’s important to understand the significance of the Lott IMPACT Trophy. Named after Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, the award is given annually to the college football defensive player who best exemplifies Lott’s attributes — Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity (IMPACT).

The award, established in 2004, is unique in that it goes beyond on-field performance. While tackles, interceptions, and sacks certainly matter, the Lott Trophy also takes into account a player’s academic record, leadership, and commitment to community service. Past winners include legends like Luke Kuechly (Boston College), J.J. Watt (Wisconsin), and Manti Te’o (Notre Dame), all of whom went on to become influential figures both in the NFL and in their communities.

For Moore, being named to the watch list puts him among elite company and signals the college football world’s recognition of his complete profile — as a player, student, and person.

Leonard Moore: A Rising Star at Cornerback

Leonard Moore, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback from Round Rock, Texas, joined Notre Dame as part of its 2023 recruiting class. A four-star prospect out of high school, Moore was praised for his ball skills, physical play, and natural football instincts.

From the moment he arrived in South Bend, Moore impressed coaches with his work ethic and ability to learn quickly. While most freshmen spend their first year developing behind the scenes, Moore made a case early for playing time — not just due to his physical talent, but because of his focus and maturity beyond his years.

Now entering his sophomore season, Moore has grown into a key figure in Notre Dame’s secondary. Known for his sticky coverage, smooth footwork, and sharp game awareness, Moore has already made a name for himself in a position group that values precision and toughness.

Moore’s On-Field Performance

Moore’s play on the field speaks volumes. In his first season, he contributed in key moments, showing flashes of brilliance against top-tier competition. Whether it was shadowing elite receivers or breaking up passes on third downs, Moore demonstrated that he belonged at the Power Five level.

In practices and scrimmages, Moore has routinely matched up against Notre Dame’s top receivers, holding his own and often getting the better of the battles. Defensive coordinator Al Golden has praised Moore’s football IQ and ability to digest complex coverages quickly, making him an invaluable piece in Notre Dame’s evolving defensive schemes.

Moore is a cornerback with all the tools NFL scouts love — size, speed, length, technique, and the ability to play in both man and zone coverage. His poise under pressure and disciplined approach make him a reliable presence on the outside, a crucial asset in today’s pass-heavy college football landscape.

Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet

While Moore’s physical skills are evident, what truly sets him apart — and makes his inclusion on the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list so fitting — is his leadership.

Despite being one of the younger players on the roster, Moore has already taken on vocal and active roles in team meetings, film sessions, and community outreach. Teammates speak highly of his ability to hold others accountable and lead by example — not with arrogance, but with humility and purpose.

In a program that demands excellence across academics, athletics, and personal conduct, Moore is setting a new standard. He is often among the first in and last out of the training facility, and his discipline in balancing academics and athletics reflects a maturity that aligns perfectly with the values celebrated by the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

Academic Commitment and Off-the-Field Character

Leonard Moore’s performance in the classroom is just as impressive as his play on the field. He is enrolled in Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters, with an interest in psychology and sociology — fields that, like football, demand a deep understanding of human behavior and strategy.

Moore has spoken openly about the importance of mental health and personal growth, subjects that have become more prominent in collegiate athletics. His willingness to discuss these topics — and support others — has earned him respect from peers and faculty alike.

Off the field, Moore is active in local service efforts, including mentoring at-risk youth and volunteering at food banks. His commitment to community mirrors the example set by former Lott Trophy winners and aligns with Notre Dame’s mission of service and global responsibility.

Notre Dame and the Lott Trophy: A Natural Fit

Notre Dame has long been a program that produces well-rounded student-athletes, and Moore’s nomination continues a proud tradition. In fact, Manti Te’o, one of the most iconic linebackers in Notre Dame history, won the Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2012.

The Fighting Irish emphasize character and leadership just as much as athletic ability. For a player like Moore to be recognized so early in his career is a reflection of the culture Marcus Freeman is fostering — one where players are developed as leaders and contributors on and off the field.

Freeman, himself a former linebacker and defensive coordinator, knows the importance of setting high standards. He’s been vocal in his support of Moore and has highlighted the cornerback’s impact on team chemistry and locker room unity.

What This Means for Moore and Notre Dame

Being named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list places Leonard Moore under a national spotlight — and not just as a defensive playmaker. It sets expectations for consistency, leadership, and excellence in all aspects of his collegiate life.

For Moore, it’s both a recognition of past achievements and a call to maintain the standard. For Notre Dame, it reaffirms that the program remains a breeding ground for true student-athletes who embody the values that college football should celebrate.

If Moore continues to develop at his current pace, he has the potential not only to remain on the watch list but to become a finalist — and perhaps even a winner — of the award. Beyond that, his trajectory points toward a future at the professional level, where his combination of talent and character will be highly coveted.

Leonard Moore’s inclusion on the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list is a well-deserved recognition for a player who is as impressive off the field as he is between the lines. His emergence as a leader in Notre Dame’s secondary, his dedication to academic and personal growth, and his contributions to the community exemplify everything the Lott Trophy seeks to honor.

In an age where stats and highlight reels often dominate headlines, it’s refreshing — and inspiring — to see a young athlete celebrated for leadership, integrity, and impact. Leonard Moore represents the future of college football — a future where talent and character go hand in hand.

As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Moore, not just for his performance on Saturdays, but for the continued example he sets throughout the week. Whether he ultimately brings the Lott IMPACT Trophy back to South Bend or not, Leonard Moore is already a winner — for his team, his university, and his community.