Leonard Moore Named One Of The Nation’s Top Returning Defensive Backs
Notre Dame has developed into one of the best producers of big time secondaries in recent seasons, and that is expected to continue in 2025. A big part of the projection for the upcoming season is the return of sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore.
Moore was a breakout star for Notre Dame in 2024, stepping into the lineup after captain and preseason All-American Benjamin Morrison went down with a season-ending injury in game six. Moore helped fill that huge void as the Irish went 14-2 and advanced to the national title game.
Heading into the 2025 season Moore is considered arguably the best cornerback in the country and one of the top defensive backs. ESPN released a ranking of the 10 best returning defensive backs in the country, voted on by their college football writers. Moore was ranked No. 2 overall on that list.
“As a true freshman last season, Moore emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the country, being named Freshman Defensive Player of the Year by the Football Writers Association of America. Moore entered the starting lineup after stalwart Benjamin Morrison was lost for the season in October and immediately made an impact with seven tackles, including one for loss, and two pass breakups in a win over Georgia Tech. From there, he continued to grow and improve, finishing the season with 48 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 11 pass breakups. Though Al Golden is gone as defensive coordinator, don’t expect new coordinator Chris Ash to stray too far from the principles that made the Irish so good on defense a year ago.” – Andrea Adelson, ESPN
Moore finished behind Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in this ranking by ESPN.
Moore started 11 games in total, including his week five start against Louisville in place of Christian Gray, who missed that game with an injury. Two games later he was in the lineup for Morrison, where he would remain for the season.
The Texas native finished his rookie season with 48 tackles, two interceptions, two tackles for loss and 11 pass break ups. He forced two fumbles as well, including a huge forced fumble against Louisville after chasing down quarterback Tyler Shough. That turnover helped set up the Irish offense for a touchdown that gave Notre Dame a 14-7 lead, and the Irish never trailed the remainder of the game.
