Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is one to watch for a prestigious national award

Every year, the Davey O’Brien Award goes to the player who is voted as the best quarterback in college football. Some past recipients include Peyton Manning (1997), Vince Young (2005), Tim Tebow (2007), Cam Newton (2010), Joe Burrow (2019), Bryce Young (2021), and Jayden Daniels (2023).

Their 2024 watch list was dropped on Thursday, highlighting some of the nation’s top quarterbacks to keep your eye on this fall. Notre Dame star signal caller Riley Leonard was included on the list, some major recognition for a player he transferred over from Duke this offseason.

At one time, Leonard was viewed as a potential early draft selection for this past 2024 NFL Draft. Unfortunately an ankle injury suffered against the Irish was the beginning of the end for that early declaration. Instead, Leonard was forced back to school and opted for the Irish via the transfer portal.

During his lone healthy season as a starter for the Blue Devils in 2022, the Alabama native threw for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns. Leonard also rushed for another 699 yards and 13 scores on the ground, completing right around 64 percent of his passes and only throwing six interceptions.

If Leonard were able to win the Davey O’Brien Award this season, he would be the first Notre Dame quarterback to do so since the award began back in 1981. Obviously the deck is stacked against him, but Leonard has a chance to have a huge season in South Bend in 2024.

From the Notre Dame fan perspective, most are extremely optimistic for what Leonard can accomplish in his one season in the blue and gold. The national media also seems pretty excited for what Leonard can do as well. It feels like a lot hinders him staying healthy this season.

Get ready, college football. Leonard is ready to shock everyone and make a deep playoff run with the Fighting Irish.