Ex-Notre Dame Football QB Riley Leonard Breaks Down the Quarterback Room He Left Behind

Riley Leonard, who spent multiple seasons as the quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has always been an intriguing figure within the college football landscape. Known for his blend of athleticism, leadership, and football IQ, Leonard’s departure from Notre Dame to pursue his future aspirations has left fans and analysts eager to understand how the program’s quarterback room is evolving.

Leonard’s story isn’t just one of talent but also of personal growth and development, both as a player and as a leader. His decision to leave Notre Dame after his final year was a significant one, one that has stirred both excitement and apprehension about the direction of the program. However, what is often left untold in the media coverage is the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a quarterback room—the interactions, the pressures, and the evolution of players in such a high-profile, high-pressure position.

In an exclusive interview, Riley Leonard shares his thoughts on the quarterback room he left behind, the players still there, and the future of the position at Notre Dame. This analysis will provide a detailed look at the state of the program, the young quarterbacks stepping into the spotlight, and the legacy of a room that has produced some of the most iconic quarterbacks in college football history.

The Leadership of Notre Dame’s Quarterback Room

When Riley Leonard reflects on his time at Notre Dame, his first words revolve around the significance of leadership within the quarterback room. “The quarterback room at Notre Dame has always been more than just a place where plays are called or studied,” Leonard explains. “It’s a place where you develop mentally and emotionally, and where the expectations are set high every single day. But it’s also where you learn how to be a leader—not just on the field, but in the locker room and the classroom.”

For Leonard, leadership was a hallmark of his time at Notre Dame. With the pressure and expectations placed on Notre Dame quarterbacks, both from the fanbase and the program itself, Leonard had to rise to the occasion. He acknowledges that being the starting quarterback at a program like Notre Dame requires more than just physical talent; it requires understanding the nuances of the system, adapting to new schemes, and most importantly, being the player others can rely on.

As he looks back, Leonard credits much of his own growth to the guidance of previous quarterbacks who walked through the same door, including names like Ian Book, a pivotal figure in the development of the quarterback room at Notre Dame. “Ian was a huge influence on me. He taught me the importance of preparation, of never letting my guard down, and always being a voice of reason in the huddle. Even when things weren’t going our way, Ian knew how to keep us focused on the next play. That’s something I tried to carry on.”

The Next Generation of Notre Dame QBs

With Leonard now gone, the future of Notre Dame’s quarterback room is in the hands of younger players who have shown flashes of promise. Two quarterbacks stand out as the primary contenders to fill the void left by Leonard’s departure—Tyler Buchner and Steve Angeli.

Tyler Buchner: The Dual-Threat QB

Tyler Buchner, a dual-threat quarterback, enters his junior year with high expectations. Coming out of high school, Buchner was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks, with the kind of athleticism and arm talent that could make him a household name in college football. His first few seasons at Notre Dame, however, have been a mixed bag. After an early injury that sidelined him for most of his sophomore year, Buchner is now primed for a significant leap in his development.

Buchner’s strengths lie in his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs, something Leonard can relate to. “I think Tyler has the tools to take over this offense and really thrive,” says Leonard. “He’s got the ability to stretch the field with his legs, which is a game-changer for any offense. But he also has to develop more consistency as a passer. That was something I worked on every day during my time there, and I think he’ll do the same.”

Buchner’s dual-threat ability makes him a valuable asset for the Fighting Irish, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. A quarterback with the ability to escape the pocket and make plays on the run can often be too quick to abandon the pocket when the pressure comes. This is something Leonard struggled with early in his career, and he believes Buchner will need to maintain patience in the pocket and not rely too heavily on his legs.

“Tyler needs to trust his offensive line more and develop a feel for when to step up in the pocket and when to take off. That’s something I learned to do over time, and I know he’ll get there as well,” Leonard advises.

Steve Angeli: The Strong Armed Rookie

Steve Angeli, a highly touted recruit in his own right, represents the future of Notre Dame football at the quarterback position. While he has yet to see significant playing time, Angeli’s raw potential has not gone unnoticed. The freshman quarterback is a pocket passer with a strong arm, the kind of player who can make all the throws needed in Notre Dame’s offense. However, as Leonard points out, Angeli’s success will ultimately depend on his ability to adjust to the speed and complexity of college football.

“Steve has all the physical tools,” Leonard notes. “He can make every throw you’d want to see at the college level, and his ability to stretch the defense with his arm is impressive. But like all young quarterbacks, it’s going to come down to the mental side of the game—reading defenses, making quick decisions, and learning to process everything happening around him.”

Angeli’s transition to college football will likely be gradual. The quarterback position at Notre Dame is notorious for its steep learning curve, and for a freshman like Angeli, the expectations will be high. Leonard understands that it will take time for Angeli to adjust, but he is confident that the young quarterback has the tools to succeed.

The Importance of Competition

Leonard emphasizes the importance of healthy competition in a quarterback room. At Notre Dame, the stakes are always high, and the expectations for every player are equally as significant. For a quarterback, there is no room for complacency. “When you have multiple quarterbacks vying for the starting spot, it raises the level of competition in that room. You’re constantly pushing each other to be better,” Leonard says.

During his time in South Bend, Leonard experienced this level of competition firsthand, particularly with Buchner, who was his direct competition for the starting role. Although they were competing, Leonard often found himself learning from Buchner’s strengths and vice versa. Leonard describes their relationship as one built on mutual respect, with each quarterback understanding that their success ultimately benefited the team.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the competition, but at the end of the day, you’re all working toward the same goal,” Leonard reflects. “Whether you’re the starter or the backup, you have a role to play. The quarterback room has to be a place of constant support. Even if you’re competing for the same job, you’re still brothers on the field, and that’s what makes Notre Dame’s quarterback room so special.”

The Legacy of Notre Dame’s Quarterback Room

The legacy of Notre Dame’s quarterback room is not one of just individual accomplishments, but of a rich history that has shaped college football. From the golden days of Joe Theismann to the rise of Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame has produced some of the most talented quarterbacks in football history. Riley Leonard acknowledges this legacy and sees his role in it as a bridge between the past and the future.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a historic program and to contribute to the legacy of Notre Dame quarterbacks,” Leonard says. “There’s so much pride that comes with putting on that helmet and playing for the Fighting Irish. It’s an honor, and I’ll never forget my time there.”

For Leonard, the most fulfilling aspect of his time at Notre Dame was helping to develop the next generation of quarterbacks. As a mentor, he passed on the lessons he learned from his predecessors, including the importance of leadership, preparation, and resilience.

“I hope that the quarterbacks who come after me can look back on my time at Notre Dame and see that I gave everything I had to that program,” Leonard says. “But more than that, I hope they remember the importance of being a leader, of being someone who can carry the weight of the program on their shoulders.”

Looking to the Future

As Leonard moves on to pursue his future in football, whether in the NFL or beyond, the quarterback room at Notre Dame remains in good hands. Buchner and Angeli have the talent, work ethic, and mental fortitude to succeed, and they will carry forward the legacy of excellence that has come to define Notre Dame’s quarterbacks.

“The future is bright for Notre Dame’s quarterbacks,” Leonard concludes. “They’ve got the talent, the coaching, and the support they need to take this program to the next level. I’m excited to see what they can do.”

The transition from one era to the next is never easy, especially at a program like Notre Dame, but with the right leadership and competition, the quarterback room will continue to thrive. And for Riley Leonard, his legacy will remain a part of that history—one more chapter in a storied program that has always been about more than just football.