Riley Leonard, drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round, has garnered attention for his impressive college performance and potential impact on the team. Recently, former Colts quarterback Phillip Rivers shared insights about Leonard after working with him during the pre-draft process. Rivers highlighted Leonard's humility and competitive nature, noting his eagerness to learn. Leonard's successful season at Notre Dame, culminating in a National Championship appearance, showcased his efficiency as a quarterback. With a completion rate of 66.4% and nearly 1,000 rushing yards, his ability to perform under pressure caught the eye of scouts. Rivers is confident Leonard will thrive in the Colts' quarterback room under the guidance of offensive coordinator Shane Steichen.

Riley Leonard, the standout quarterback from Notre Dame, was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, marking a significant milestone in his promising career. Despite a heartbreaking loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the national championship game during his sole season with the Fighting Irish, Leonard's performance showcased his exceptional skills, completing 66.7% of his passes for 2,861 yards, throwing 21 touchdowns against eight interceptions, and rushing for 906 yards with 17 touchdowns.

Entering a competitive quarterback room that includes Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, Leonard's adaptability in Shane Steichen's offense—favoring mobile quarterbacks—gives him a fighting chance to establish himself. His girlfriend’s enthusiastic message on social media reflects the hope and optimism surrounding his future with the Colts, emphasizing the team's potential to benefit from his talent.

The Indianapolis Colts made an intriguing selection in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, picking Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard. After transferring from Duke, Leonard showcased his dual-threat potential, leading the Fighting Irish to the National Championship Game while completing 66.4% of his passes, throwing for 21 touchdowns against 8 interceptions, and rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in 2024. This performance highlights his efficiency and care with the football, ranking well in turnover-worthy plays.

With uncertainty surrounding the Colts' quarterback situation, Leonard enters a crowded room alongside Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson, but his potential as a developmental player could prove beneficial. His ability to make plays with his legs may provide the Colts with a versatile asset as they explore their options at quarterback. While he may begin as a third-stringer, the Colts' approach of adding competition at the position is a prudent strategy considering the current landscape.

Replacing Riley Leonard is a pivotal challenge for the Notre Dame football team as he embarks on his NFL journey with the Indianapolis Colts after a standout season in South Bend. Leonard's dual-threat ability, with 906 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns, set a new school record for quarterbacks. The Irish coaching staff now turns its attention to CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey, both of whom have shown promise. Coach Marcus Freeman hints at the possibility of utilizing both quarterbacks in specific game situations, maintaining flexibility in the offense. The team's strategy could also see the potential return of Tyler Buchner, who previously demonstrated significant rushing prowess. As the season opener against Miami approaches, the competition for the starting quarterback remains intense.

Notre Dame football had an impressive showing in the 2025 NFL Draft, with six players selected across various teams. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison led the group, being drafted in the second round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a four-year contract worth over $8 million. His signing bonus of approximately $2.6 million reflects the potential the Bucs see in him post-recovery from hip surgery. Safety Xavier Watts followed in the third round, joining the Atlanta Falcons with a four-year deal valued at around $6.2 million.

Linebacker Jack Kiser was a bit of a surprise pick at number 107 overall, yet his contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, totaling just over $5 million, suggests they see him contributing early. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Rylie Mills and tight end Mitchell Evans both received similar contracts in the fifth round, while quarterback Riley Leonard rounded out the draft class in the sixth round, hoping to secure a long-term role with the Indianapolis Colts.