Riley Leonard, the Notre Dame quarterback, is currently taking the college football world by storm. A recent ranking by On3 placed Leonard as the top quarterback in the nation, a well-deserved recognition for a player who has rapidly ascended to the highest echelons of college football. His remarkable performance and development have earned him a spot at the top of the list, and his trajectory indicates that he could be one of the most dominant quarterbacks in the upcoming college football seasons.
A Rising Star in College Football
Riley Leonard’s ascent to the top of college football quarterback rankings may have come as a surprise to some, but for those closely following his progression, it’s been clear that the young Notre Dame quarterback had the potential to do great things. Leonard first made his mark during the 2023 season, where he displayed extraordinary poise, athleticism, and an ability to lead his team with incredible consistency.
Leonard’s playmaking abilities caught the attention of many college football analysts, but it wasn’t just his athleticism that made him stand out—it was his mental sharpness. His ability to read defenses, adjust his play, and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations set him apart from his peers. His development under the tutelage of Notre Dame’s coaching staff and his own commitment to becoming one of the best quarterbacks in college football has paid off, as he is now being hailed as the nation’s top quarterback.
Breaking Down Leonard’s Game
Leonard’s game is a perfect blend of traditional quarterback skills and modern-day playmaking. At 6’4″, Leonard combines impressive size with a fluid and mobile playing style. His ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver accurate passes on the run is a testament to his physical gifts. Whether in the pocket or scrambling to find an open receiver, Leonard has shown an uncanny ability to make plays under pressure, often surprising defenders with his mobility and vision downfield.
One of the most impressive facets of his game is his decision-making. Leonard is not only able to read opposing defenses with precision but also shows remarkable patience in letting plays develop. His footwork is clean and deliberate, allowing him to reset his stance when necessary to make accurate throws. He doesn’t rely solely on his arm strength but combines it with well-timed mechanics to make throws with anticipation and velocity, making him a tough quarterback to defend against.
His understanding of the game and the way he can make adjustments mid-play is another strength that has propelled him to the top of the rankings. Whether it’s making an audible at the line of scrimmage or reading the defense’s movement post-snap, Leonard’s mind works in harmony with his body, allowing him to stay a step ahead of the competition.
A Leader on and off the Field
Leonard’s leadership qualities have been central to his success. Quarterbacks, particularly at a high-profile program like Notre Dame, need to inspire confidence in their teammates, and Leonard has done exactly that. He carries himself with a calm demeanor and has shown the maturity to handle the expectations of being one of college football’s most talked-about players.
His leadership isn’t confined to the game itself—Leonard’s work ethic in practice and his dedication to his team have earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates alike. His ability to lead through example, whether through pushing himself during offseason training or staying focused on the field, has made him the clear leader of the Fighting Irish offense.
The trust that his teammates place in him is evident when the game is on the line. Leonard has consistently come through in clutch moments, orchestrating game-winning drives and finding ways to rally his team in the most difficult situations. The maturity with which he handles these pressure-filled moments speaks to his growing stature as a quarterback.
The Notre Dame Connection
The connection between Leonard and Notre Dame is undeniably special. Notre Dame has long been one of college football’s most storied programs, and its rich tradition of producing elite quarterbacks continues with Leonard. The Fighting Irish have boasted some legendary quarterbacks over the years, and with Leonard’s continued growth, he has the potential to leave a lasting legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Notre Dame’s coaching staff has done an excellent job developing Leonard, refining his strengths, and helping him reach new heights. Under the guidance of head coach Marcus Freeman and the offensive staff, Leonard has flourished as both a pocket passer and a mobile threat. The system at Notre Dame is a perfect fit for his skill set, and it’s easy to see why he’s thriving.