Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard on key watch list

Riley Leonard could be comeback player of the year.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is on the October watch list for College Football Comeback Player of the Year.

This follows Leonard’s decision to transfer from Duke to Notre Dame in 2023. Leonard suffered a season-ending ankle injury on his final play against the Fighting Irish in Notre Dame’s 21-14 road victory over the Blue Devils.

Cynical Notre Dame fans might also say it applies to Leonard’s 2024 season — Leonard struggled in the passing game early but has looked better in the two most recent games.

We’re betting he’s on the list because of the injury and only because of the injury, but given his early struggles, we understand where Irish fans are coming from.

Regardless, Leonard has a shot at the award if he continues to play well over the remainder of the season.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) takes his helmet off as he walks off the field at the end of a drive during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in South Bend.

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