With 66 days left until the fervor of Notre Dame football season engulfs South Bend, a palpable buzz surrounds quarterback Riley Leonard, who has already carved out a significant place in the program’s recent history. His arrival via the transfer portal from Duke was heralded as a pivotal moment, and he has wasted no time in delivering, establishing himself with a statistical achievement that stands unmatched by any Notre Dame quarterback since 2018. This particular statistic, which highlights his exceptional dual-threat capability, underscores a new era for the Fighting Irish offense under his leadership.

Leonard’s impact on the Notre Dame program has been immediate and profound. In his lone season with the Fighting Irish, he not only earned the distinction of being a team captain but also led them to an impressive 14-2 record and an appearance in the National Championship game. While the title eluded them against Ohio State, Leonard’s performance throughout the season, especially his unique blend of passing and rushing prowess, cemented his status as a game-changer.

Looking at the numbers that define his record-setting year, Leonard completed 269 passes for 2,861 yards and 21 touchdowns, with eight interceptions. These are solid passing statistics, but what truly set him apart was his remarkable performance on the ground. He tallied an astounding 906 rushing yards on 184 attempts, averaging nearly five yards per carry, and most notably, he scored 17 rushing touchdowns. This figure not only showcased his incredible athleticism and willingness to embrace contact but also shattered the Notre Dame single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, which was previously held by Brandon Wimbush with 14 in 2017. Furthermore, his 906 rushing yards surpassed Tony Rice’s school record of 884 from 1989 for a single-season quarterback rushing yards. This dual-threat ability, particularly his rushing touchdown total, is the key stat that puts him in a league of his own among recent Notre Dame signal-callers.

The 2018 season saw Ian Book at the helm, who, over his career from 2017-2020, accumulated 8,948 passing yards and 72 passing touchdowns. While Book was a successful quarterback for Notre Dame, leading the team to a College Football Playoff appearance, his rushing contributions, while notable for a quarterback, did not reach the same level of consistent touchdown production or yardage as Leonard’s single dominant season. Other quarterbacks in the post-2018 era, such as Jack Coan (2021) and Sam Hartman (2023), primarily made their mark through their passing. Coan, for instance, had a strong passing year in 2021 with 3,150 yards and 25 touchdowns. Sam Hartman, in his single season (2023) as the Irish QB, threw for 24 touchdowns. However, neither of these quarterbacks, nor any other since 2018, demonstrated the combined aerial and ground threat, especially in terms of rushing touchdowns, that Riley Leonard exhibited in his remarkable 2024 campaign.

Leonard’s decision to transfer to Notre Dame was influenced by several factors, as he revealed. The talent of the players he would be joining and the high level of coaching, particularly from offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, were significant draws. Denbrock’s recent success with dual-threat quarterbacks, notably Jayden Daniels at LSU, who went on to be a top NFL Draft pick, undoubtedly played a role in Leonard’s choice. This strategic move proved mutually beneficial: Leonard found a larger stage to showcase his abilities, and Notre Dame gained a veteran leader with a unique skillset to invigorate their offense.

His journey at Notre Dame wasn’t without its challenges. Early in the season, after some struggles, particularly against Northern Illinois and Miami (Ohio), there was a period of adjustment. However, Leonard’s resilience and the trust he built with the coaching staff and his teammates allowed him to overcome these initial hurdles. He adapted to Denbrock’s offense, and the team found an identity that capitalized on Leonard’s strengths, particularly his running ability. His leadership, both on and off the field, including his openness about his faith, resonated with the team and the fan base.

The impact of Leonard’s athleticism and decision-making on Notre Dame’s offensive scheme was profound. His ability to extend plays with his legs, convert crucial third downs, and be a legitimate threat in the red zone transformed the Irish attack. He consistently kept the offense in manageable situations by minimizing turnovers and sacks. His impressive 82.8 PFF rushing grade ranked third among draft-eligible quarterbacks, and his 611 yards on designed runs were the sixth most in the FBS. This made Notre Dame’s run game exceptionally potent, as defenses constantly had to account for the possibility of Leonard taking off, which in turn opened up opportunities for other playmakers.

Prior to his time in South Bend, Leonard had a successful career at Duke, where he spent three seasons (2021-2023). He started 21 games for the Blue Devils and was named a team captain in 2023. In 2022, he completed 63.9% of his passes for 2,967 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions, while also adding 699 rushing yards on 124 carries and 13 rushing touchdowns. These strong performances at Duke provided a glimpse of his potential, but his single season at Notre Dame saw him elevate his game to new heights, especially in his rushing touchdown output.

His remarkable 2024 season culminated in his selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a testament to his improved draft stock following his time with the Fighting Irish. While expert analysis points to his exceptional athleticism and sound decision-making as immediate assets in the NFL, consistency in accuracy and staying calm in the pocket under pressure are areas noted for improvement. Nevertheless, his ability to limit negative plays and his potential as a significant run-game threat make him an intriguing prospect.

As the countdown continues to the next Notre Dame football season, the legacy of Riley Leonard’s singular, record-breaking year will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for future quarterbacks. His unprecedented rushing touchdown total for an Irish signal-caller since 2018 isn’t just a number; it represents a dynamic shift in offensive capabilities and a testament to the transformative power of a truly dual-threat quarterback. The echoes of his runs and the anticipation of what his achievements might inspire in the next generation of Notre Dame quarterbacks will undoubtedly be part of the narrative surrounding the team for years to come.