Why did Riley Leonard transfer to Notre Dame? Exploring reasons behind Blue Devils’ exit
Riley Leonard's transfer was one of the most significant changes in the quarterback landscape from the 2023 to the 2024 season. At Duke in 2023, Leonard demonstrated his potential by leading a Blue Devils side that remained nationally relevant for half of the season. The highlight of the year came early on, as they defeated then-No. 9 ranked Clemson in Week 1.
Following coach Mike Elko's departure from Duke, it was expected that Leonard would look for a new opportunity in 2024. When the Notre Dame Fighting Irish came knocking on his door, it offered him the chance to join one of the most famous programs in the history of the game and the opportunity to take a crack at the newly expanded 12-team college playoff, with a team that has the roster that gives them a shot at the national championship.
When he was asked during the summer why he chose Notre Dame, Riley Leonard said the following (per On3):
"You want to be around guys that just have your back, and are great people, on and off the field, and Notre Dame's got it."
Riley Leonard and Mike Elko reunite in Week 1 of college football
Mike Elko is now at Texas A&M, replacing Jimbo Fisher as the coach of the No. 20 Aggies. In that capacity, he will face off against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, led by Riley Leonard in one of the most anticipated games of Week 1 on August 31.
The contributions of Elko and Leonard in turning around a Duke program that went 3-9 in the 2021 season, and then improved to 9-4 and 8-5 in the following two seasons are well recognized, which makes the game a special one.
Ahead of the game, Elko made sure to highlight his respect for his former quarterback:
"Who he is as a person, the respect and admiration I have for him," Elko said, "I would pick any other quarterback on the planet to be on the other side of the field for that game."
Interestingly, Duke's 2023 season effectively ended after their game against then No. 11 Notre Dame in Week 5. At the time, the partnership had the Blue Devils at 4-0 and had just defeated a top-10 opponent. In a close game that ended 14-21 in favor of the Irish, Riley Leonard twisted his ankle and was sidelined for much of the season.