First-year Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard has been named to the preseason Maxwell Award Watch list, it was announced this week. The award is given to the most outstanding college football player. Leonard has not yet taken a live snap for the Fighting Irish. But expectations are high for the highly coveted transfer from Duke.
In three years with the Blue Devils, Leonard started 21 games. He suffered an ankle injury in Duke’s loss to Notre Dame last year. The injury curtailed his productivity. In 2023, Leonard threw for 1,102 yards and three touchdowns. The dual-threat signal-caller also ran for three scores a year ago. Leonard enjoyed his best season for Duke in 2022. He rang up 22 total touchdowns and amassed 3,666 total yards.
Will Riley Leonard Be The Next Notre Dame Maxwell Award Winner?
A total of six Notre Dame players have won the Maxwell Award, which is now in its 88th year. Most recently, linebacker Manti Te’o took home the hardware in 2012. Record-setting quarterback Brady Quinn won the award in 2006. The Irish’s last semifinalist was tight end Michael Mayer, who is currently with the Los Angeles Raiders. Many of college football’s top players are on the preseason watch list, including Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, Liberty quarterback Kaidon Salter, and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
Howard Cross III, Riley Mills on Outland Trophy Watch List
Notre Dame also has two players on the Outland Trophy watch list in Howard Cross III and Riley Mills. Given to the best interior lineman, the Outland Trophy has become one of college football’s most prestigious honors.
Cross was among the best defensive linemen in the country last year. He earned second-team All-America honors last season from a host of outlets. Cross also was a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award. All told, he made 66 tackles a season ago. That was the second most of any Power Five defensive lineman.
Mills, a regular playmaker last season, joins Cross on the list. He started all 13 games for the Irish and finished the season with 47 tackles, five-and-a-half tackles for loss, and two-and-a-half sacks. He also contributed four quarterback hurries and recovered a pair of fumbles.
Preseason Accolades
With a run-throw option quarterback in Riley Leonard leading the charge on offense, and a formidable duo in Howard Cross and Riley Mills anchoring the defense, Notre Dame appears primed for a breakout season. If the preseason watch lists are any indication, expect to see Leonard, Cross, and Mills prominently featured in the Irish’s game plans.
