Riley Leonard became the latest starting quarterback to enter the transfer portal. He’s quickly garnered interest from notable programs.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Leonard is now Notre Dame’s “top target.” Furthermore, a source told Nakos that the Duke star is also likely to give Auburn “a hard look.”
🚨NEWS: Auburn & Notre Dame are considered the top options for Duke transfer QB Riley Leonard, sources tell @PeteNakos_.
An official timetable has not been set yet by Leonard’s camp, but he is expected to take official visits👀
Story: https://t.co/Fu7KAyuC3g pic.twitter.com/uWRj08PS4g
— On3 (@On3sports) November 29, 2023
Shortly after Leonard announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Instagram, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg called Notre Dame a “likely destination.”
The Fighting Irish landed one of the premier quarterbacks in the portal last year when bringing Sam Hartman over from Wake Forest. He led Notre Dame to a 9-3 record by throwing 24 touchdowns.
Marcus Freeman could once again find his new QB1 on the portal.
After accounting for 33 touchdowns (20 passing, 13 rushing) in 2022, Leonard began his junior year by leading Duke to a victory over Clemson. The Blue Devils started 4-0 before he got hurt at the end of a 21-14 loss to Notre Dame.
Although he returned three weeks later, Leonard suffered a season-ending toe injury against Louisville on Oct. 28. His year ended with three passing touchdowns in seven games.
While Notre Dame appears to have quickly emerged as a front-runner, the Alabama native could go closer to home by choosing Auburn.
Payton Thorne and Robby Ashford still have more eligibility, but Hugh Freeze could seek a quarterback upgrade following a 6-6 season. The Tigers finished 122nd among 130 FBS teams (and last in the SEC) with 157.1 passing yards per game this season.
According to Nakos, Leonard is expected to begin visiting schools soon.