Riley Leonard, a quarterback who has experienced the rigors of being a student-athlete at both Duke and Notre Dame, sheds light on their unique academic culture compared to other college football programs.
Drafted 189th overall in the sixth round by the Indianapolis Colts, Leonard spent three seasons at Duke, a prestigious academic institution, before transferring to Notre Dame, another school known for its studies. In a recent interview, he explained how NFL scouts can tell the difference between a student-athlete who attended a prestigious school.
Riley Leonard Says Notre Dame and Duke Still Do Things the Right Way
In a recent interview, Indianapolis Colts draftee Riley Leonard highlighted the rigorous academic expectations placed on Notre Dame and Duke student-athletes, contrasting them with the common perception that college football players are primarily athletes.
Parents: send your kids to Duke and Notre Dame. Riley Leonard says student-athletes still go to every class at those schools.
“And that’s a good thing…Throughout the draft process, these coaches know who are Notre Dame and Duke guys.”
Leonard’s fortunate to have attended both. pic.twitter.com/eBdbuZke7W
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) May 13, 2025
“I think — you know — going to Duke and Notre Dame, like, the days are just crazy. Like, I know people think that, like, ‘Oh, college football, you’re an athlete only, they’re paying you to be an athlete.’ Well, their schools haven’t picked up on that yet,” he said, laughing.
This statement underscores his belief that these schools maintain a strong commitment to academics, despite the intense athletic demands. Leonard further emphasized the importance of class attendance and study habits at Notre Dame and Duke, which he sees as a positive attribute.
“Because, guys, we’re going to every class. We’re going to every class,” he explained. “And that’s a good thing. That’s a good thing.”
This dedication to academics is not just a requirement but a value Leonard believes benefits student-athletes in the long run.
He advises parents, saying, “Like, recruits might not want to hear that, but like, parents, alright, send your kids to those two schools, you’ll be just fine.”
This recommendation is based on the fact that the academic rigor of the schools prepares the student-athletes for life outside football.
“And, you know, I think you see, like, throughout the draft process, these coaches know who are Notre Dame and Duke guys are. Like, there’s a different type of person who goes to those schools. And, you know, a character that stands out to everybody, which is nice.”
The tough academic requirements at Notre Dame and Duke produce individuals and distinguish them in the cutthroat setting of college football.
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Moreover, the character development from balancing academics and athletics at these institutions is a significant factor in their appeal. Leonard’s observation that “there’s a different type of person that goes to those schools” points to a cultural difference that is recognized and valued.
Leonard joins a Colts team that already has its projected starter in former Florida Gator quarterback Anthony Richardson. Former Giants’ QB1 Daniel Jones is the predicted backup, but a solid offseason and preseason could change that for Leonard.
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