Notre Dame football: What is Plan B if Riley Leonard isn’t in the cards?

Notre Dame football is targeting Duke quarterback Riley Leonard in the portal when the transfer portal opens. He could follow his coach to Texas A&M.

It seems likely that former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard will head to South Bend  not long after the transfer portal officially opens. Notre Dame football targeted him since he formally declared he was leaving Duke. He will likely transfer because his head coach, Mike Elko left for Texas A&M.

That begs the question, what if Leonard decides to follow Elko to College Station?

This portal class has many good quarterbacks, but no Russell Wilson or Caleb Williams is in this transfer class. Head coach Marcus Freeman and his offensive staff are looking for a cultural fit and someone who fits the scheme.

Notre Dame Football could wait until Spring.

If Leonard goes to A&M, Notre Dame could stand pat and wait until the spring window opens. Some quarterback competitions could send someone to the portal. Texas and Georgia are two teams that immediately come to mind; one of its backups could decide to transfer.

If you wait until Spring, you risk not getting one of the better transfers in the portal. However, you never know who might be available if you do. Freeman and the staff know one thing: they cannot enter the 2024 season without signing a quarterback in the portal.