Earned
Notre Dame Riley Leonard was named as a semifinalist for the Comeback Player of the Year. Leonard suffered multiple injuries over the last year — most notably against the Irish in 2023 with the Duke Blue Devils that essentially ended his season.
From the ND press release:
Leonard Tabbed Semifinalist for Comeback Player of the Year Award
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Senior quarterback Riley Leonard has been named a semifinalist for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award, presented by College Sports Communicators, Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl Organization.
Since 2018, the Comeback Player of the Year Award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness or other circumstances.
Leonard has led the Irish to an 11-1 record after missing the end of the 2023 season and 2024 spring practice due to an ankle injury. He returned to the field to open the 2024 season, captaining the Irish offense as it has grown into a dominant unit. Nationally, Notre Dame ranks second in turnover margin (1.33), fourth in scoring offense (39.8), fourth in fourth-down success rate (0.760), sixth in passes had intercepted (5), 10th in scoring offense (224.8) and 11th in rushing offense (221.8).
Notre Dame is tied for the most ranked wins of any FBS team this season with four. Notre Dame owns the best record against ranked teams in the FBS, going 4-0.
Leonard ranks tied for second among all active FBS quarterbacks in career rushing touchdowns with 33, including three in the first half alone at Purdue.
He owns 14 rushing touchdowns in 2024, becoming the third Notre Dame quarterback to rush for double-digit touchdowns in a season (Brandon Wimbush, 14 in 2017, DeShone Kizer, 10 in 2015). He is tied for the single-season record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in Notre Dame history.
Leonard’s 14 rushing touchdowns this season rank 20th in the nation and fifth among all quarterbacks. He ranks 24th in the nation in total touchdowns. On the season, he averages 5.81 yards per carry, ranking 33rd among all FBS players.
Leonard owns 60.1 rushing yards per game this season, ranking third among all Power 4 quarterbacks and ranking 12th among all FBS quarterbacks.