Riley Leonard is 'most confident and natural' with Notre Dame football program

Since Riley Leonard arrived in South Bend, the biggest question surrounding the star quarterback has been "will he be healthy enough to make a real difference?" Notre Dame football fans' questions grew louder as the former Duke transfer missed most of spring practice after needing surgery on the same ankle that forced him to miss the second half of the 2023 season.

If there was any concern that Leonard wouldn’t be ready to go to start fall camp, and the season, the Heisman hopeful has killed those real quick. He’s healthy alright. So healthy that the coaches have had to tighten the leash on him.

“He’s begging me to go live,” Notre Dame football quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli said in his recent post-practice presser. “I’m like, ‘Guy, you just missed all spring. We’re not going live.’ The other night, when we had the night practice, was our first real live opportunity. He was like, ‘Coach, talk to Coach Freeman to see if I can be live.’ I’m like, ‘I’m not even going to entertain that with Coach Freeman. That’s not an option.’” 

Riley Leonard ready to go for Notre Dame football

Leonard also talked recently about how good he feels with the Irish. And while that might sound like something anyone preparing for a big season might say, his statements feel a big more genuine than most.

“This is the most confident and natural that I’ve felt since being in college,” explained Leonard. “Being a fourth-year guy, you’ve been through so much, you’ve seen the ups and downs, you’ve seen the hate and the love that I’ve gotten throughout my career.

It’s the “being a four year guy” that makes his comments feel more genuine. He’s not a rookie. This isn’t even his second year in college football. He’s a grizzled veteran. 

It’s the kind of talk you hear from a guy who is about to wage a Heisman campaign. He sounds like a guy ready to lead Notre Dame football to the playoffs. Maybe even beyond the first round of the playoffs and really make some noise. Anyone not excited by those comments isn’t paying attention.