Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard selected 189th overall in NFL Draft by Indianapolis Colts

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WNDU) - Former Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard has been selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 189th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Leonard transferred to Notre Dame from Duke for his senior season and helped lead the Fighting Irish to the national championship game, winning the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl offensive MVPs along the way.

The dual-threat quarterback was known for his strong rushing ability, as he accumulated 2,130 career rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns on 413 carries over his collegiate career. This past season, he finished tied with starting running back Jeremiyah Love for the team lead with 17 rushing touchdowns.

As a passer, he threw for 7,311 yards and 45 touchdowns over his career, including 2,861 yards and 21 touchdowns during his senior campaign at Notre Dame.

Heading into the draft, opinions about Leonard as a potential pro quarterback varied significantly due to his inconsistencies and throwing limitations as a passer.

Leonard is the sixth Fighting Irish player to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was preceded in the draft by Benjamin Morrison (second round, No. 53 pick), Xavier Watts (third round, No. 96 pick), Jack Kiser (fourth round, No. 107 pick), Rylie Mills (fifth round, No. 142 pick) and Mitchell Evans (fifth round, No. 163 pick).

The Indianapolis Colts went 8-9 last season and missed the playoffs after finishing second in the AFC South division.

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