It’s time for Riley Leonard to hit the NFL route. After leading Notre Dame through a stellar winning streak in 2024, the quarterback is now awaiting his draft pick. That performance was what got him into those top-10 lists. But big things are not only happening to him, but his girlfriend, Molly Walding, is also in the scene. The two have stuck with each other through thick and thin, and have braved distance as both pursued their dreams. And now, while Leonard awaits to cross one final step to get to his, Walding revealed some great plans for her career ahead…

Walding, before arriving at Auburn, was actually at Notre Dame. That was where the love blossomed between her and Leonard. She was also a cheerleader for the Fighting Irish back then, which makes their story the classic Hollywood football story. But that was not all to her resume. At Auburn, Walding graduated just days ago in Public Relations and Advertising. Unfortunately, Leonard couldn’t join her in the celebrations, but he sent a shout-out to her on social media to note his lady love’s achievement.

While Leonard hit the Draft for his pro career, Walding has chosen a way forward for herself as well. She shared an Instagram story created by the university’s recruiting department. It read, “Molly is graduating with a degree in Public Relations and plans to work in retail, and social media marketing in Fairhope!” According to her LinkedIn page, Walding is quite the professional. Her experience includes being a sales employee and a social media manager. She’s also served as a recruiter herself at Auburn University. It seems she’s become the breadwinner of the unit long before Leonard began his pro career!

Leonard, however, doesn’t shy away from making grand gestures. He braved the 666-mile distance from Indiana to Auburn for Walding’s last formal day, a milestone event in her life. Leonard’s gift just made it more special for her. Molly Walding wanted to have a picture of the two of them at the event, just like the one from her first formal day. And who was Leonard to deny his girlfriend her wish?

After their recent getaway to Pelican, Louisiana, the happy couple is now off to make a life of their own, in their own desired arenas. Leonard, however, with the draft wrapping up round one, is eagerly awaiting his future in the upcoming rounds.

Riley Leonard holds onto NFL Draft hopes after Day 1

Now, Leonard was never predicted to go early in the Draft. There’s nothing to worry about yet for the QB. What makes his chances a little problematic is that there’s still a long line of QBs ahead of him, awaiting their turn. But compared to others, he still has a few good teams that could likely draft him later in the draft. According to CBS Sports, the Notre Dame QB is expected to be picked on Day 3, in the third or even the 4 round.

Leonard has mostly featured towards the bottom of the lists when it comes to QBs, but rarely out of them. CBS Sports predicts him to go with the Rams, which has previously picked QBs like him because of their mobility. However, that only happens if they don’t pick a QB before him. He is also expected to go with the Steelers, Ravens, Bears, and Bills.

The Steelers are yet to pick 2 more QBs in the draft. However, their much-talked-about prospect, Shedeur Sanders, still remains in the draft. With the Ravens, Leonard looks to be going as a backup option who can still provide value to an offense that has Lamar Jackson. For the latter two teams, Leonard would be placed further below the depth chart.

The draft is a test of patience for all the players. Riley Leonard – who holds an impressive record of 7,311 passing yards and 45 TDs in a career total of 4 years – must also hold on to hopes for the best when his turn comes. Until then, he has his girlfriend Molly’s academic and professional successes to root for!