a surprising turn of events, Riley Leonard, the standout quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has announced his resignation from the team, effective immediately. decision comes on the heels of a remarkable season where Leonard led the Irish to a 13-game winning streak and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
La transferred to Notre Dame from Duke for the 2024 season, bringing with him a dynamic playstyle that revitalized the Irish offense. Throut the season, he amassed 2,606 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, complemented by 866 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. (sbnatn.com)
Off the field, Leonard was known for his leadershnd generosity. He secured several notable NIL deals, including partnerships with Gillette and a six-figure agreement with an activewear company. Demonstrang his team-first mentality, Leonard often shehis NIL earnings with teammates, notably involving his offensive linemen in endorsement deals. (collegenetworth.com, si.com, si.com)
e reasons behind Leord’s sudden resignation remain unclear, leaving fans and analysts speculating about potential factors infnng his decision. His departure marks a significant shift for Notre Dame as they prepare fhe upcoming season without their star quarterback.
Head Coach Marcus Freeman has previously indicated a prefere for developing in-house talent at the quarterback position, suggesting that the next starting quarterback is likely already on the roster. (on3.com) As the team regroups, all eyes will be on who steps up to fill the void left by Leonard’s unexpected exit.
Riley Leonard’s tenure at Notre Dame, though brief, left an indelible mark on the program. His contributions both on and off the field will be remembered as the team navigates this unexpected transition.
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