Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard Experiment and the High Stakes Riding on the Duke Transfer QB

There’s another development in the transfers for the week. Riley Leonard, the former Duke player who entered the CFB portals a couple of weeks ago, is now moving to Notre Dame. He is a skillful player, always looking to improve his game. The QB made a massive change in his career after committing to Notre Dame for the 2024 season. He has been an asset to Duke’s side for two consecutive years and is now on the move.

His recent transfer to Notre Dame would be a dream come true and one he’d be proud of at this career stage. With lots of factors coming into play, the top-seeded player is now making a change. The new era with the Notre Dame side is set to be another successful chapter for the young QB.

Riley Leonard joins the Notre Dame Fighting Irish side

What motivated Riley Leonard to join Notre Dame? Was it the excellent exposure or the prospects? Neither. Per sources, there was a strong family connection with the Irish team. Leonard’s great-grandfather, James E. Curran, was a part of the same team in 1940. Leonard grew up idolizing this particular family member.

Being a part of Notre Dame will give a new dimension to the side, but a lot resides on Leonard. The quarterback room in the Irish team is a lot inexperienced and would need some major overhaul. However, this is an excellent time for Leonard to make this opportunity count and ensure he takes his new team to the 2024 playoffs. But the looming question remains whether his teammates would rely on him. They should, given the numbers the QB has churned up at Duke.

What makes Riley Leonard a threat to the opposition?

Riley Leonard isn’t your usual QB with a rugged frame and a rather imposing physique. But he’s still worth his weight in gold. The former Duke player had a breakout season in 2022, accounting for 33 touchdowns while leading the side to nine victories.

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During the following year, he did one better. He pushed his side to the school’s highest national ranking this time. The team was placed at #16 for the first time in nearly two decades! Going by the stats, in 21 starts for the Duke, the record stands at 13-8. 2024 would be a season for reckoning for the talented player, and with two of the best wide receivers supporting him, Leonard should make a case for the Heisman Trophy.

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