Having a lockdown cornerback is essential for an elite defense and heading into the 2025 season, according to Pro Football Focus, Notre Dame has the best returning corner in Leonard Moore.
The Irish are no stranger to having high-level players at the position, Benjamin Morrison being a perfect example of that. Like Moore, both of them broke out during their freshman years, and for Morrison, it was a monster sophomore season.
The hope is that Moore will do the same, after a very impressive freshman year which saw him have 48 tackles with 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 11 passes defended. He was recognized nationally for his play, and now PFF has ranked him as the No. 1 player at his position entering 2025.
It’s a big honor, as just six other sophomores have had that distinction since 2020, with three of them happening this year. Their data had him as the “third-most-valuable corner in college football,” while being “especially good in Notre Dame’s man-heavy scheme,” said Max Chadwick.
Expect Moore to be on many national lists going forward, as he could be the first Notre Dame player to win the Thorpe Award, which is very surprising considering the amount of talent the Irish have had at the position.
1. Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 4, 2025
10. Cameron Calhoun, Alabama
PFF’s Top 10 Returning Cornerbacks for the 2025 Season⬇️https://t.co/7gWzqxOey2