Riley Leonard has emerged as one of the most intriguing names in American college football, especially following his high-profile transfer from Duke to Notre Dame. As a dynamic dual-threat quarterback with strong leadership skills, Leonard’s journey has captivated analysts, scouts, and fans alike. From his breakout season at Duke to his anticipated impact with the Fighting Irish, Leonard represents a new wave of quarterbacks redefining modern NCAA and future NFL gameplay.
Riley Leonard is a rising star whose blend of athleticism, intelligence, and poise has made him a top prospect in college football. His move to Notre Dame for the 2025 season has not only reshaped the team’s offensive potential but also positioned him as a major NFL draft candidate.
Who Is Riley Leonard?
Riley Leonard is an American football quarterback known for his time at Duke University before transferring to the University of Notre Dame. Born on September 21, 2002, in Fairhope, Alabama, Leonard has become one of college football’s most promising young athletes.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 212 pounds, Leonard’s size and mobility have drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Josh Allen and Daniel Jones. He’s known for combining strong passing accuracy with exceptional running ability, a skill set that fits the evolving landscape of football where quarterbacks are expected to contribute both through the air and on the ground.
Leonard played high school football at Fairhope High School, where he passed for over 6,000 yards and 80 touchdowns. His athletic background extends beyond football — he also excelled in basketball, reflecting his well-rounded physicality and spatial awareness on the field.
Riley Leonard’s College Football Journey
Duke University: The Breakout Star
Riley Leonard’s college career began at Duke in 2021, where he quickly made an impression with his ability to adapt under pressure. However, it was in 2022 that he became a household name. Under head coach Mike Elko, Leonard led Duke to its first winning season since 2018, finishing the year with 2,967 passing yards, 699 rushing yards, and 24 total touchdowns.
That performance earned Leonard national attention and placed him among the top quarterbacks in the ACC. His poise, especially in close games, was highlighted in Duke’s win against Wake Forest, where he threw for 391 yards and 4 touchdowns, marking one of his best performances.
In 2023, despite battling injuries, Leonard remained consistent, posting a 61% completion rate and leading Duke to several crucial wins. Analysts credited his leadership and mental toughness as major reasons behind Duke’s competitiveness in a highly challenging conference.
Transfer to Notre Dame
In December 2023, Riley Leonard announced his transfer to the University of Notre Dame, one of college football’s most storied programs. The move was driven by his desire to play at a higher competitive level, improve his NFL draft stock, and work under Notre Dame’s offensive system, which has historically produced top-tier quarterbacks.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman welcomed Leonard as the missing piece in their offensive puzzle. The Fighting Irish were in need of a mobile, accurate quarterback capable of leading a balanced attack. Leonard’s transfer was one of the most discussed NCAA moves of 2024, making headlines across ESPN, CBS Sports, and The Athletic.
Riley Leonard’s 2024 Season at Notre Dame
Leonard’s first season at Notre Dame saw him quickly adapt to the new offensive system. Despite facing a tough schedule that included matchups against Ohio State and Clemson, Leonard maintained composure and efficiency.
By the end of the 2024 regular season, he had completed 64% of his passes for 2,584 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, while adding 621 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat style revitalized Notre Dame’s offence, providing flexibility in both play-action and designed runs.
Under offensive coordinator Gerad Parker, Leonard thrived in RPO (Run Pass Option) systems, showcasing his ability to make quick reads. His chemistry with wide receivers Jayden Thomas and Rico Flores Jr. became one of the key strengths of the Fighting Irish in 2024.
Statistical Breakdown and Player Analysis
| Season | Team | Games | Passing Yards | TD | INT | Rushing Yards | Rushing TD | Completion % |
| 2022 | Duke | 13 | 2,967 | 20 | 6 | 699 | 11 | 63.8 |
| 2023 | Duke | 10 | 1,912 | 10 | 4 | 352 | 4 | 61.0 |
| 2024 | Notre Dame | 12 | 2,584 | 18 | 7 | 621 | 6 | 64.0 |
(Source: NCAA.com, ESPN Stats 2025)
Leonard’s consistent improvement across three seasons demonstrates his ability to adapt and refine his skill set. His decision-making under pressure has notably matured, as seen in late-game scenarios where he completed over 72% of passes in the fourth quarter during the 2024 season.
Strengths and Playing Style
Dual-Threat Capability
Leonard’s ability to extend plays with his legs is one of his biggest assets. He often forces defences to account for his scrambling ability, opening opportunities for receivers to get open downfield.
Arm Strength and Accuracy
His arm strength allows him to make deep throws, while his accuracy on intermediate routes makes him effective in play-action systems. Scouts have praised his improved mechanics and ball placement.
Leadership and Composure
Leonard’s on-field communication and calmness under pressure have made him a respected figure in the locker room. His teammates frequently describe him as “the ultimate competitor.”
Weaknesses and Areas for Growth
Leonard’s biggest challenge remains his pocket awareness under heavy pressure. While his mobility helps, he occasionally relies too much on improvisation rather than structured reads. Additionally, his throwing motion, though improved, still leaves room for refinement to generate more velocity on deep passes.
NFL scouts expect Leonard to continue improving his timing and footwork, particularly against complex defensive coverages. If he sustains progress, he could project as a Day 2 NFL Draft pick in 2026.
Impact on Notre Dame Football Program
Notre Dame’s offence in 2025 revolves heavily around Riley Leonard. His ability to balance the passing and rushing attack has allowed the Fighting Irish to diversify their playbook. Leonard’s presence has also elevated the team’s recruitment potential, as several high-profile wide receivers have cited his leadership as a reason for committing to Notre Dame.
Statistically, Notre Dame improved its points-per-game average from 27.8 in 2023 to 33.1 in 2024, primarily due to Leonard’s efficiency in red-zone situations. His ability to execute designed QB runs and quick passes has created versatility in the team’s play-calling.
Recent Trends in 2025
As of the 2025 season, Riley Leonard’s name appears regularly in Heisman watchlists and NFL scouting discussions. CBS Sports listed him among the “Top 10 Quarterbacks to Watch for the 2025 College Season,” while Sports Illustrated highlighted him as one of the most NFL-ready QBs in the nation.
Online platforms like Reddit’s r/CFB and YouTube channels such as “The QB Room” have featured detailed film breakdowns of Leonard’s play style. His blend of speed and football IQ continues to draw attention from fans and analysts.
In the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape, Leonard has secured multiple endorsement deals with regional and national brands, reflecting his growing marketability. According to On3 NIL Valuations, his estimated value in 2025 is around $1.3 million, placing him among the top 15 college football quarterbacks in NIL earnings.
Real-Life Lessons from Riley Leonard’s Journey
Riley Leonard’s progression from an underrecruited high school athlete to a top NCAA quarterback offers valuable lessons in persistence and adaptability. His story illustrates how work ethic, strategic decision-making, and embracing change can lead to success.
Athletes and students alike can learn from Leonard’s decision to transfer to Notre Dame — a calculated move aimed at long-term development and exposure rather than short-term comfort. It also underscores the importance of leadership and humility in achieving team-oriented goals.
Expert Opinions and Media Commentary
College football analysts have widely praised Leonard’s transition. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit noted that Leonard “brings a unique blend of athleticism and maturity to Notre Dame, something the team hasn’t had since Ian Book.”
The South Bend Tribune described him as “the catalyst of a renewed offensive era,” while The Athletic ranked him as one of the “most impactful transfers of the decade.”
NFL Draft experts project Leonard as a mid-round pick with high upside due to his combination of size, mobility, and intelligence. If he continues to develop, several analysts believe he could emerge as one of the top QBs in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
Future Prospects and NFL Draft Outlook
Looking ahead, Riley Leonard’s trajectory points toward the NFL. Scouts admire his durability, football IQ, and athletic build. Teams that value mobile quarterbacks who can adapt to spread or RPO systems — such as the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, or New Orleans Saints — could be ideal fits.
His projected draft position, as per early 2025 mock drafts from Pro Football Focus and ESPN, places him in the second or third round. Continued consistency at Notre Dame will be crucial for improving that stock.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Quarterbacks
Riley Leonard’s career offers several takeaways for young athletes:
Focus on fundamentals like footwork and timing — small technical improvements yield significant game-day results.
Study film regularly; Leonard’s game IQ stems from deep film analysis.
Adapt to change — his transfer to Notre Dame demonstrates the value of pursuing growth opportunities.
Prioritise leadership; teammates follow those who set examples through hard work.
Embrace athletic diversity; Leonard’s basketball background helped develop agility and vision.
FAQs
Who is Riley Leonard?
Riley Leonard is an American football quarterback who began his college career at Duke University and transferred to Notre Dame, where he currently plays as the starting QB.
What makes Riley Leonard unique as a quarterback?
Leonard’s dual-threat capability — his ability to pass and run effectively — combined with his leadership skills and poise under pressure make him stand out among college QBs.
How has Riley Leonard performed at Notre Dame?
In his 2024 season, Leonard threw for 2,584 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 621 yards, helping Notre Dame improve its offensive efficiency and win record.
Is Riley Leonard projected to enter the NFL Draft?
Yes, Leonard is widely considered an NFL-calibre quarterback. Analysts expect him to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, where he is projected as a mid-round pick.
What are Riley Leonard’s strengths and weaknesses?
His strengths include mobility, arm strength, and leadership. Areas for improvement include pocket awareness and refining his throwing mechanics against pressure.
In Summary
Riley Leonard’s story is one of perseverance, intelligence, and adaptability. From Duke to Notre Dame, he has proven that calculated risks and relentless work ethic can redefine a player’s career. His 2025 season will be crucial in shaping his NFL future, but regardless of where he lands, Leonard’s legacy as a transformative college quarterback is already well established.
He represents not just the future of Notre Dame football but also the next generation of quarterbacks who combine athleticism with strategic depth — a model that continues to evolve in both college and professional football.
For more in-depth and insightful sports stories, explore:
To read more; Birminghamjournal
