Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard Balances Football and Academic Challenges

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame senior quarterback Riley Leonard has been juggling the demands of football and academics, with his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree taking a backseat to his athletic commitments. Leonard, who transferred from Duke after his junior year, faces challenges in completing his degree due to credit transfer issues. “It was tough for me,” Leonard said during Tuesday’s Orange Bowl media day. “A lot of my credits didn’t transfer. I don’t even know where I’m at right now.”

Leonard, 22, majored in public policy at Duke with a minor in markets and management studies. His academic journey has been complicated by the transition between universities with different academic systems. “It’s kind of confusing,” Leonard admitted. “I’m just a little behind, still, which is crazy.”

Leonard is not alone in facing academic hurdles. Former Northwestern safety Brandon Joseph, who transferred to Notre Dame in 2022, encountered similar difficulties when switching his major from Learning and Organizational Change to sociology. Joseph, who went undrafted in 2023, was recently arrested for suspicion of operating under the influence and subsequently released by the NFL’s Detroit Lions.

Other transfers, such as former Clemson wideout Beaux Collins and former Northwestern defensive back Rod Heard II, also faced delays in enrolling at Notre Dame as graduate transfers. Both had to wait until last June to complete their academic requirements remotely before joining the team.

On the field, Leonard has been a key player for Notre Dame, leading the team to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Despite modest passing statistics, his ability to control the game and contribute on the ground has been crucial. In a recent victory, Leonard threw for 90 yards and ran for 80, helping Notre Dame secure a 23-10 lead.

“How about his effort in the fourth quarter on that last drive, where he launched himself?” praised an analyst. “Ultimate respect, man. You see his passing stats, I believe he only threw for 80 yards in that game. So it wasn’t that. Incredible.”

Coach Marcus Freeman highlighted Leonard’s growth throughout the season, particularly after an early loss. “I think what he was able to learn is that you can’t get your joy from what outsiders are saying about you,” Freeman said. “You get your joy from playing this game with your teammates. And that’s where I’ve seen him grow the most is the confidence that he’s playing with.”

Leonard himself reflected on his physical style of play, emphasizing his commitment to the team. “Yeah, I mean, everybody keeps telling me stop doing that, and I did it, and it worked out today,” Leonard said. “Plus, we’re in the playoffs, which was like, all right, put your butt on the line. But that’s my mindset going into every game.”

As Notre Dame prepares to face Penn State in the Orange Bowl, Leonard’s dual focus on football and academics remains a testament to his resilience and dedication.