Introduction
Riley Leonard is one of the more intriguing young quarterbacks in the NFL as of 2025. A dual-threat signal-caller with a unique background, Leonard has drawn attention thanks to his college achievements, his transition to the professional stage, and his early status with the Indianapolis Colts. This article dives deep into his journey — from high school to the NFL draft, his college performance at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (and earlier at Duke Blue Devils), his contract status, and what lies ahead.
Early Life & College Career
High School & Early Promise
Riley Leonard was born on September 13, 2002 in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and grew up in Fairhope, Alabama.
At Fairhope High School, he played both football and basketball — showcasing athletic versatility.
As a senior, he passed for around 1,900 yards with 25 touchdowns, and added roughly 500 rushing yards — showing early signs of a dual-threat quarterback.
Duke University Years (2021–2023)
Leonard began his college career at Duke University.
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In 2022, he emerged as the starting QB and delivered a strong season: nearly 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, along with ~700 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.
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The 2023 season was marred by injuries — including a high-ankle sprain and later a toe injury — which limited his play and disrupted his momentum.
Transfer to Notre Dame & 2024 Season Breakout
In December 2023, Leonard announced he was transferring to Notre Dame — a move that would reshape his prospects.
At Notre Dame in 2024, Leonard seized the opportunity as a full-time starter and delivered strong production:
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Passed for 2,861 yards with a 66.7% completion rate, 21 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
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Also rushed 184 times for 906 yards and 17 touchdowns — setting the school single-season record for rushing TDs by a quarterback.
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He led the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Overall, across his college career (Duke + Notre Dame), Leonard amassed 7,311 passing yards, 45 passing TDs, 18 interceptions — and added 2,130 rushing yards with 36 rushing TDs.
His strengths through college included athleticism, dual-threat ability (passing + rushing), mobility, and leadership — though some scouting reports noted inconsistency at times as a passer and limitations in arm strength/range.
NFL Draft & Entry: Colts Pick
2025 NFL Draft Selection
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Leonard in the 6th round with the 189th overall pick.
The pick made him the ninth quarterback off the board that year.
The decision surprised some given the depth of the draft class, but for the Colts, Leonard’s mobility, playmaking upside, and character made him an intriguing developmental choice behind their existing QB options.
Rookie Contract Details
Leonard signed a standard four-year rookie contract with the Colts on May 9, 2025.
Financial estimates put the total contract value at roughly $4.43 million, with an average annual payout of about $1.11 million.
For the 2025 season, his base salary is around $840,000 — typical for a sixth-round developmental quarterback.
In addition to on-field earnings, Leonard reportedly had several endorsement deals and off-field opportunities, fueled in part by his college popularity and social media following.
Role With the Colts & Early 2025 Season
Depth Chart & Role
Upon joining the Colts, Leonard entered a quarterback room that included established players Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. Initially, Leonard was viewed as a developmental QB — likely QB3 or even emergency backup in early 2025.
However, injuries and roster dynamics shifted his status: by October 2025, with Richardson on injured reserve, Leonard was promoted to the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Jones.
Coaches have praised his work ethic, attitude, and readiness — noting his maturity, preparation habits, and willingness to learn and contribute to the QB room.
What He Brings: Strengths & Areas for Improvement
Strengths:
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Dual-threat capability: Leonard’s rushing ability adds a dynamic layer to his game — a valuable trait for modern NFL offenses.
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Size and athleticism: At 6’4″ and ~213 lbs, he has good size and mobility, making him a viable threat both in pocket and outside.
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Intangibles: Leadership, work ethic, competitiveness, and a team-first mentality have drawn praise from coaches and scouts alike.
Challenges / Areas to Improve:
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Consistency as a passer: While effective at times, Leonard’s passing — particularly downfield throws — remains a question mark.
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Developmental profile: As a sixth-round pick, he is viewed as a project — needing time to refine mechanics and decision-making.
What the Future Might Hold
Leonard’s early trajectory with the Colts suggests a developmental path with real potential. Given his athletic tools and mindset, he could grow into a valuable backup — or possibly challenge for a starting role if he continues to improve. His dual-threat capability offers scheme versatility, especially in offenses that value quarterback mobility.
However, for Leonard to realize that potential, improvements in passing accuracy, consistency, and decision-making will be crucial. The 2025 season could be viewed as a “foundation year”: time for him to learn, adapt to the speed of the NFL, and grow under veteran mentorship.
If he capitalizes on opportunities — and stays healthy — Leonard might carve out a long-term future, either in Indianapolis or elsewhere.
Conclusion
Riley Leonard’s path — from a high school athlete in Alabama, to college stints at Duke and Notre Dame, to being drafted by the Colts in 2025 — is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and talent. He brings a rare combination of size, athleticism and dual-threat dynamics, along with a mindset grounded in hard work and team-first values.
While he remains a developmental quarterback, the early signs — both on and off the field — suggest that Leonard could become a dark-horse success story in the NFL. For Colts fans and football watchers alike, Leonard is one to watch.
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