As Notre Dame navigated the transfer portal at the close of last season in search of a new quarterback, the decision sparked varied reactions among the Fighting Irish faithful. The arrival of Riley Leonard, a sought-after talent, was met with enthusiasm by those who appreciated head coach Marcus Freeman’s commitment to assembling the strongest possible team. Yet, others within the fanbase expressed a desire to see the program invest in the development of its existing roster.
The notion of annually bringing in a transfer quarterback might not sit well with everyone, including Freeman himself. However, the dynamics shift intriguingly when considering the potential of securing a multi-year contributor rather than a short-term fix.
This brings us to the potential game-changer on the horizon.
The NCAA is toying with the idea of extending playing eligibility from the current structure of four years within a five-year span, to a straight five-year eligibility period for all athletes. Such a change would open the door for Riley Leonard to possibly continue under center for Notre Dame in 2025. This scenario could also enable the Irish to retain key pieces of their starting offensive line, the dynamic rushing duo of Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love, and playmakers like Jordan Faison at wide receiver.
Imagine an additional year of Leonard mastering Mike Denbrock’s offensive scheme, surrounded by a seasoned supporting cast – that’s a tantalizing prospect for any Notre Dame fan.
However, the influence of this potential rule change is contingent upon swift action by the NCAA. Without it, any plans centered on Leonard’s return are purely speculative. Still, one can conjecture that Leonard, if given the choice, might be keen on another stint in South Bend.
Intriguingly, coach Marcus Freeman’s assertion that the Irish won’t seek another quarterback in the portal this cycle could be indicative of strategic thinking, banking on this rule modification to secure Leonard for another year. The thought of Leonard extending his tenure with Notre Dame is an exciting one for fans, and there’s palpable hope that this NCAA change comes to fruition.
Wouldn’t a 2025 encore for Riley Leonard in Notre Dame colors be a treat for the Irish loyalists?
