ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 20: Riley Leonard #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish signals for a two point conversion against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter in the 2025 CFP National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Breaking News: Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard Confirmed as Key Player for 2025 Season
In what has become a pivotal moment for Notre Dame’s football program, Riley Leonard has been officially confirmed as the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish in the 2025 season. This announcement comes after a whirlwind year for Leonard, who made the high-profile transfer from Duke University to Notre Dame, bringing with him a wealth of talent, leadership skills, and a proven track record on the field. With the football world eagerly watching, Leonard’s confirmation marks an exciting new chapter for both the player and the team.
A Star in the Making: Riley Leonard’s Journey
Riley Leonard’s journey to becoming the leader of Notre Dame’s offense has not been without its challenges. Born and raised in Fairhope, Alabama, Leonard’s journey began at the high school level, where he quickly gained attention for his impressive athleticism and dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and a rusher. His high school career was decorated with numerous accolades, setting the stage for his transition to college football.
Leonard chose Duke University as his college destination, where he began his college career as a promising young talent. Over the next few years, Leonard developed into one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks, showcasing impressive stats and leadership on a team that was often viewed as an underdog. He gained widespread recognition for his ability to operate the offense efficiently, displaying both his strong arm and his vision on the field. Leonard’s mobility and poise under pressure were particularly noteworthy, and his play helped elevate Duke’s program.
Transferring to Notre Dame: A New Challenge
In the offseason prior to the 2024 season, Leonard made the decision to enter the transfer portal, seeking a fresh challenge and a program with championship aspirations. Notre Dame, with its rich football history and commitment to excellence, quickly became the top destination for the standout quarterback.
Leonard’s decision to leave Duke was not an easy one, but he was drawn to the opportunity to play for a team that competes at the highest level of college football. His arrival in South Bend was highly anticipated, and many experts predicted that Leonard would be the spark Notre Dame needed to return to the upper echelon of college football.
However, the transition was not without its hurdles. Leonard had to recover from multiple offseason surgeries, including a procedure to repair a torn labrum that caused some concern about his availability for the upcoming season. Despite these setbacks, Leonard was committed to his recovery and worked diligently throughout the offseason to get back on track.
Riley Leonard’s Impact at Notre Dame
From the moment Leonard took the field for the Fighting Irish, it was clear that he was ready to lead. He quickly settled into the Notre Dame offense, showing remarkable chemistry with his teammates and demonstrating a level of composure rarely seen in a new quarterback.
Leonard’s leadership abilities were on full display during his first few games, as he managed games with precision and poise, all while displaying the same dual-threat skills that made him such a dangerous player at Duke. His ability to read defenses, extend plays with his legs, and deliver pinpoint passes made him an immediate asset to the Fighting Irish’s offense.
As the season progressed, Leonard became a leader both on and off the field. His understanding of the game and his unshakable mental toughness helped Notre Dame thrive, even in the face of adversity. During a crucial game against rival USC, Leonard delivered a game-winning touchdown drive in the final minutes, showing why he was the perfect quarterback for the Fighting Irish.
A Key Victory: The College Football Playoff
One of the most memorable moments of Riley Leonard’s first season with Notre Dame came in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Facing off against the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes, Leonard was tasked with leading his team to victory on college football’s biggest stage. While Notre Dame ultimately fell short, losing 34-23 to the Buckeyes, Leonard’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.
In the game, Leonard threw for over 250 yards, tossing two touchdowns, and showcased his trademark ability to make plays when it mattered most. He even opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown, giving the Fighting Irish an early lead. As the game progressed, Leonard’s leadership was evident, as he remained calm under pressure and never backed down from the challenge. Even in defeat, his performance garnered widespread praise from fans, coaches, and analysts alike.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the championship game came when Leonard revealed a message on his wrist after scoring a touchdown: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” This quote, which aligns with Leonard’s personal values and faith, symbolized the type of leader he is—humble, driven by purpose, and always striving to uplift those around him.
Injury Concerns and Recovery
Like many quarterbacks, Leonard faced injury concerns throughout his career. During the 2024 season, he suffered a significant injury to his shoulder while playing against Northern Illinois. It was later revealed that Leonard had sustained a posterior labrum injury to his non-throwing shoulder, which left many wondering if he would be able to return to action in time for the College Football Playoff.
Despite the severity of the injury, Leonard’s commitment to recovery was unwavering. Working closely with Notre Dame’s medical staff, he pushed through his rehabilitation and was cleared to play in time for the most important games of the season. His resilience in the face of adversity made his eventual return all the more meaningful, and it solidified his place as one of the most determined and dedicated athletes in college football.
Looking Ahead: Notre Dame’s Future with Leonard
As Notre Dame prepares for the 2025 season, the announcement that Riley Leonard will remain the starting quarterback brings renewed hope for the program. Leonard’s leadership, skill set, and character make him the perfect fit for the Fighting Irish, and he is poised to lead them to even greater success in the years ahead.
There are already whispers that Leonard could return for an additional season if the NCAA changes its eligibility rules, allowing him to play for five years. Should that happen, it would provide Notre Dame with a seasoned quarterback who has already proven himself on the biggest stages of college football.
In any case, Riley Leonard’s impact on Notre Dame will be felt for years to come. Whether he stays for one more season or moves on to the professional ranks, his legacy with the Fighting Irish will be one of resilience, faith, and leadership.
Conclusion
The confirmation of Riley Leonard as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season has brought excitement and optimism to the program. Leonard’s journey from Duke to Notre Dame has been a testament to his growth as a player and as a leader. As he continues to lead the Fighting Irish, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see just how far he can take the team. For Leonard, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and successful chapter in his college football career.
With Leonard at the helm, Notre Dame is poised to return to championship contention, and his journey will undoubtedly inspire future generations of student-athletes looking to make their own mark on the field.
