Riley Leonard’s decision to transfer from Duke to Notre Dame after the 2023 season paid off.

In 13 games as the Irish’s starting quarterback, Leonard led his team to a 12-1 record, including a first-round victory over Indiana in the College Football Playoff.

Notre Dame’s talented defense also contributed significantly to the team’s success, but Leonard’s 2,293 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns (compared to six interceptions) and 15 rushing scores were vital to the Irish offense. As a dual-threat option, Leonard has emerged as one of college football’s most effective quarterbacks heading into the 2024 season.

As a senior, Leonard will be ineligible for college at the end of Notre Dame’s season. Could he hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft? Here’s what you should know about Leonard’s draft projection and where he ranks among quarterback prospects.

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Riley Leonard mock draft projection

Leonard’s numbers for Notre Dame this season have been impressive, but he is not considered a top quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Leonard doesn’t appear in SN’s Vinnie Iyer’s latest draft big board. Eight quarterbacks made the list, although Penn State’s Drew Allar and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier will both return to their respective schools in 2025. If an NFL team actually selects Leonard in April, he would likely be viewed as a developmental prospect or depth option rather than an immediate starter.

Other major bodies have ranked Leonard as a minor-league quarterback prospect, with the NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus rankings pegging the Notre Dame passer as the No. 173 overall prospect and projected sixth-round pick.

Leonard could certainly hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft, but in all likelihood that won’t happen in at least the first few rounds.

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2025 NFL Draft QB Rankings

Here are the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to SN’s Vinnie Iyer:

The large board initially included Allar and Nussemeier, but with both quarterbacks recently announcing their decision to remain in college for the 2025 season, Leonard could benefit.

Along with names like Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, Syracuse’s Kyle McCord and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, Leonard’s strong 2024 season could make him a quarterback that an NFL team targets in the later rounds.