Riley Leonard has starting to become one of the most well-known quarterbacks in college football right now. Playing quarterback for Notre Dame has helped his name get more exposure as he is going to be one of the more notable quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Starting his career at Duke, Riley Leonard was the starting quarterback for the Duke Blue Devils the past 2 seasons. Making a name for himself in 2022 with a 20 passing touchdown, 13 rushing touchdown season, Riley was one of the more notable quarterbacks last season before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.
Transferring to Notre Dame this season, Riley has thrown for 979 yards with 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He has added 405 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground, leading the Fighting Irish to a 5-1 start to the season.
PLAYER INFO
Name: Riley Leonard
Jersey: 13
Position: Quarterback
School: Notre Dame
Class: Senior
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 216 lbs
Riley Leonard’s STRENGTHS
Riley is a mobile quarterback, not afraid to extend plays with his legs. He has great size for the position, as it is tough to bring him down in the pocket and on the run.
He has deceptive speed, and ability to extend and turn plays into something from nothing. His leadership is a major strength of his, having been named a captain at both Duke and Notre Dame.
He does a solid job going through his progressions and not focusing on one read. He has great arm strength, which helps him throw the ball anywhere on the field. He has solid footwork, as he has nimble feet which helps him extend plays.
Riley Leonard’s WEAKNESSES
Riley suffered a season-ending ankle injury back in 2023 at Duke, which caused him to get two additional surgeries and miss spring ball. While it hasn’t affected him this season, it is something that teams will still look take a look at.
His mechanics are still a work in progress, and his arm talent is still a work in progress even though he possesses a great right arm. His accuracy is a question, as he is not a great thrower outside the pocket and his best season was at a 63% completion rate. He has adequate deep ball accuracy, as he is better at throwing short and intermediate routes.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Teams will love Riley Leonard for his great leadership, mobility, and toughness. He is still developing as a passer so I believe Riley Leonard will be a Day 3 pick.
His ceiling is a long career as a backup quarterback, who can come in and make plays when needed. I think there are going to be a lot of teams that will take a look at him, and add him to their quarterback rom to develop him to be their backup quarterback.
