66 days until Notre Dame football: Riley Leonard leads as best ND QB in this key stat since 2018.

As the countdown to the next Notre Dame football season hits 66 days, excitement among Fighting Irish fans is building. The anticipation of seeing new and returning players take the field is palpable, and one name that continues to stand out in recent Notre Dame quarterback history is Riley Leonard.

Since 2018, Notre Dame has seen a handful of quarterbacks under center, each bringing their own style and strengths. However, when it comes to one important statistical category, Riley Leonard has set a high bar, establishing himself as the best Notre Dame quarterback in that stat during this span.

This article explores who Riley Leonard is, the key stat that separates him, his impact on Notre Dame football, and what this means as the program looks forward to the upcoming season.

A Brief Overview of Riley Leonard’s Notre Dame Career

Riley Leonard arrived at Notre Dame with high expectations, known for his athleticism, strong arm, and leadership abilities. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a solid recruit, but few anticipated the full extent of his impact during his time with the Fighting Irish.

Leonard’s playing style blends traditional pocket passing with dynamic mobility, making him a dual-threat quarterback who can challenge defenses both through the air and on the ground. His versatility has allowed Notre Dame’s coaching staff to tailor offensive schemes to maximize his strengths.

The Key Stat: Completion Percentage

Among various quarterback metrics—passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, quarterback rating, and rushing yards—completion percentage stands out as the stat in which Riley Leonard has excelled compared to other Notre Dame quarterbacks since 2018.

Why Completion Percentage Matters

Completion percentage is the ratio of completed passes to total attempted passes, expressed as a percentage. It is a critical measure of a quarterback’s accuracy, decision-making, and consistency. A higher completion percentage typically reflects:

• Precision in passing: The ability to consistently deliver the ball where receivers can make plays.

• Good decision-making: Avoiding risky throws that result in incompletions or turnovers.

• Offensive efficiency: Sustaining drives and controlling the game tempo.

For Notre Dame, having a quarterback with a high completion percentage is vital to executing an efficient offense and sustaining momentum.

Riley Leonard’s Completion Percentage Performance

Since 2018, Notre Dame’s quarterback room has included several talented players, but none have matched Leonard’s mark in completion percentage during his playing time.

• Statistical Comparison: Leonard’s completion percentage has hovered in the high 60s to low 70s—an impressive range considering the difficulty of Notre Dame’s offensive schemes and the quality of opponents faced.

• Contextual Factors: Leonard’s ability to maintain a high completion rate despite taking on complex reads and pressure situations highlights his poise and skill under fire.

This statistical excellence has made Leonard a reliable offensive weapon and a key contributor to Notre Dame’s successes on the field.

Impact on Notre Dame’s Offensive Identity

Leonard’s accuracy and efficiency have shaped Notre Dame’s offensive identity in multiple ways:

Sustaining Drives

A quarterback who can consistently complete passes keeps the chains moving, reduces the defense’s time on the field, and increases scoring opportunities.

Boosting Team Morale

When the offense can rely on consistent completions, it instills confidence across the entire team—from the offensive line to the receivers.

Adapting Playcalling

Leonard’s accuracy has enabled Notre Dame’s coaches to call a diverse array of plays, including intermediate and short passes that require precise timing and execution.

Notable Performances Highlighting Leonard’s Accuracy

Several games during Leonard’s tenure underscore his status as the most accurate Notre Dame quarterback since 2018:

• Comeback Victories: In tight contests, Leonard’s ability to complete critical passes helped Notre Dame mount comebacks and seal wins.

• Big-Play Capability: High completion rates on third downs and in the red zone have turned scoring opportunities into touchdowns.

• Consistency Against Top Defenses: Leonard has performed well against elite defensive units, maintaining high completion percentages even under pressure.

Comparison with Other Notre Dame QBs Since 2018

Notre Dame’s quarterback rotation since 2018 has included notable names such as Ian Book and Jack Coan.

• Ian Book: Known for leadership and dual-threat capabilities, Book delivered solid numbers but with a slightly lower completion percentage.

• Jack Coan: Showed promise and efficiency but did not consistently reach Leonard’s levels in completion rate.

Leonard’s superior accuracy differentiates him, showcasing a unique strength among recent Notre Dame signal-callers.

What This Means for Notre Dame Moving Forward

As the 2025 season approaches, Notre Dame’s coaching staff can build around the foundation laid by quarterbacks like Riley Leonard. His success in completion percentage highlights the importance of accuracy and decision-making in their offensive philosophy.

Recruiting and Development

Notre Dame will likely continue prioritizing recruits with strong accuracy skills, and Leonard’s example serves as a benchmark for incoming quarterbacks.

Offensive Strategy

The emphasis on high-percentage passing and balanced offense aligns with Leonard’s style, paving the way for a smooth transition to new signal-callers inspired by his play.

Fan and Alumni Optimism

Leonard’s statistical success rekindles hope and enthusiasm among fans eager to see Notre Dame return to national prominence.

With only 66 days left until Notre Dame football returns, reflecting on the contributions of Riley Leonard reminds fans and analysts alike of the program’s strengths and potential.

Leonard’s standout completion percentage since 2018 symbolizes more than just a number—it represents the kind of quarterback Notre Dame needs to thrive: accurate, composed, and capable of elevating the team’s performance in critical moments.

As the Fighting Irish prepare for another exciting season, Leonard’s legacy provides a foundation of confidence and a standard of excellence for future Notre Dame quarterbacks to aspire to.