Leonard Moore Named The 6th Best Player In College Football For 2025
As the 2025 college football season looms, one player who is drawing increasing attention from fans, analysts, and opposing coaches alike is Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore. Recognized by Pro Football Focus (PFF) as the No. 6 overall player on their list of the Top 50 College Football Players for the upcoming season, Moore is set to play a pivotal role in the Fighting Irish’s pursuit of a national championship. Known for his exceptional blend of athleticism, technique, and football IQ, Moore is quickly becoming one of the most highly regarded defensive backs in college football. His ranking among the top players in the country is a testament to his dominance on the field and his ability to change the course of a game from his cornerback position.
The journey to the top for Leonard Moore hasn’t always been a linear one, but his rise to prominence as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation has been marked by relentless work ethic, growth, and a commitment to refining his craft. A standout recruit out of high school, Moore was highly sought after by numerous programs before ultimately choosing Notre Dame. Since his arrival in South Bend, Moore has only continued to improve, and his development into a top-tier cornerback has been one of the most exciting storylines for the Fighting Irish in recent seasons.
At 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, Leonard Moore possesses an ideal frame for a modern cornerback. His size allows him to match up against both smaller, quicker wide receivers and bigger, more physical pass catchers. Moore has the rare ability to play in both man and zone coverage, which is a huge asset for a team that values versatility in its defensive backs. His ability to cover ground quickly and efficiently is complemented by his exceptional ball skills, allowing him to break up passes and make plays on the football when needed. This blend of size, athleticism, and technical proficiency has earned him the respect of coaches and players around the country.
What makes Moore such a valuable player is not just his physical attributes, but his football IQ and ability to read the game. He has the instinctual feel for the game that allows him to anticipate routes, read quarterbacks’ eyes, and make quick adjustments to shut down passing plays. Moore’s ability to remain calm under pressure and make quick decisions in the heat of battle makes him a standout in high-stakes situations. Whether it’s during a critical third-down moment or on a key pass breakup late in a game, Moore has consistently proven that he can be relied upon to perform in the most important moments.
As a sophomore in 2024, Moore burst onto the national scene with a series of dominant performances that left no doubt about his place among the best cornerbacks in college football. He finished the season with a number of accolades and awards, including first-team All-ACC honors and a spot on the All-American teams of several outlets. His performance was marked by his ability to shut down top-tier wide receivers in both man-to-man coverage and zone schemes. Moore’s consistency and ability to take away the top receiving threats in Notre Dame’s schedule allowed the Fighting Irish to execute their defensive schemes with confidence, knowing they had a lockdown corner on the outside.
One of the standout features of Moore’s game is his ability to play physical without drawing penalties. In today’s game, where cornerbacks are often tasked with dealing with quick, shifty wide receivers and aggressive offensive schemes, Moore’s ability to stay within the rules while maintaining physicality gives him a significant advantage. His press coverage is second to none, as he’s able to get his hands on receivers early in their routes, disrupting their timing and throwing off the quarterback’s rhythm. Moore’s physical play at the line of scrimmage is often the catalyst for Notre Dame’s defense to execute its game plan effectively.
While his ability to match up with opposing receivers is well known, Moore’s coverage skills are what truly set him apart. His exceptional ability to mirror wide receivers in one-on-one situations has allowed him to shut down some of the best talent college football has to offer. Over the course of his career at Notre Dame, Moore has routinely faced some of the most talented and explosive wide receivers in the nation. Yet, time and again, he has stepped up to the challenge, routinely winning his individual battles and helping the Fighting Irish defense stymie opposing offenses.
Moore’s ball-hawking abilities are another major component of his skill set. With multiple interceptions and several pass breakups in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Moore has shown an ability to make game-changing plays. He has an innate sense for when to attack the football, whether it’s by leaping for a contested pass or simply by being in the right place at the right time. His ability to create turnovers has made him a valuable asset in turning the tide of a game, and his knack for coming up with big plays when needed has earned him a reputation as one of the best playmaking cornerbacks in the nation.
However, it’s not just his ability to play the ball that sets Moore apart—it’s his consistency and work ethic. Moore has become one of the hardest-working players on the Notre Dame roster. His preparation during the offseason, studying film, analyzing opposing offenses, and learning from his mistakes, has made him a better player year in and year out. The growth in his game has been noticeable, with him becoming more adept at understanding different offensive schemes and how to combat them effectively. This mental preparation, coupled with his physical ability, makes Moore an elite player and one of the top cornerbacks in college football.
Heading into the 2025 season, Moore’s role in Notre Dame’s defense is even more critical. The Fighting Irish will need Moore to be a leader in the secondary, as they look to challenge for a national title. With an aggressive and talented defensive front, Moore will be tasked with locking down the opposing team’s best receiver, giving the rest of the defense an opportunity to thrive. His ability to take away the deep ball and force quarterbacks to look elsewhere will be invaluable as Notre Dame looks to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.
Moore’s importance to the Fighting Irish defense can’t be overstated. Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator has made it clear that a top-tier cornerback like Moore allows the rest of the defense to play with more freedom, knowing that their coverage on the outside is locked down. With Moore handling the No. 1 receiver, Notre Dame can focus on shutting down the rest of the offense, knowing that one of the key areas of vulnerability—coverage on the outside—is under control.
For Moore, the 2025 season is an opportunity to take his game to the next level. As one of the top players in the nation, he’ll have the chance to prove that he is not only among the best cornerbacks in college football but also one of the best players overall. A strong season could solidify his place as a top NFL prospect, with many analysts projecting him as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Moore’s combination of physical tools, technical ability, and mental acumen make him an intriguing prospect for professional scouts, and his performances in 2025 will likely determine his standing at the next level.
It’s also worth noting that Moore’s leadership on and off the field will be crucial as Notre Dame looks to make a national title run. With a deep roster of talent, including several other future NFL prospects, Moore’s ability to lead by example and hold his teammates accountable will help create a strong team culture in South Bend. His mentorship of younger players and commitment to excellence will ensure that the Fighting Irish defense stays focused and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
As for Notre Dame’s fans, the excitement surrounding Leonard Moore’s upcoming season is palpable. With expectations for the team running high, Moore’s ability to lock down the opposing team’s best receiver and create turnovers will be one of the keys to Notre Dame’s success in 2025. If Moore can continue his upward trajectory and maintain the elite play that has earned him recognition as one of the nation’s top players, he could very well be the difference-maker in Notre Dame’s quest for its first national title in nearly 40 years.
Leonard Moore’s ranking as the No. 6 player in PFF’s Top 50 College Football Players for the 2025 season is a reflection of his exceptional talent, growth, and impact on the field. As a versatile, lockdown cornerback with elite skills and a strong work ethic, Moore is poised to be one of the best players in college football this season. Notre Dame fans have a lot to look forward to as Moore leads the Fighting Irish defense with the hopes of securing a national championship. With his combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ, Moore is not just one of the top players at his position, but one of the top players in the country, and his 2025 season will be one of the most exciting storylines to watch in college football.
