Breaking News: QB Riley Leonard Decommits From Notre Dame and Flips Commitment to Kentucky Wildcats Over Ohio State and Texas Through Alabama
In a shocking turn of events, five-star quarterback Riley Leonard has officially decommitted from Notre Dame and committed to the University of Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats over powerhouse programs such as Ohio State and Texas. The Alabama native’s decision is one of the most surprising twists in the 2025 recruiting cycle, and it has sent shockwaves through the college football world.
Leonard, who had been committed to Notre Dame since the summer of 2024, was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation, with a blend of size, mobility, and football IQ that made him a coveted prospect for many elite programs. However, in a stunning move, he has flipped his commitment to Kentucky, a school that had steadily gained momentum in the race for his signature in recent months.
The Decision to Decommit
For several months, it seemed that Leonard’s commitment to Notre Dame was firm, with the Fighting Irish coaching staff building a strong relationship with the dual-threat quarterback. But, in recent weeks, a change in Leonard’s recruitment became apparent. As more schools made a push for his commitment, Leonard began to reconsider his options, ultimately deciding to reopen his recruitment.
In an announcement via social media, Leonard explained that his decision was influenced by multiple factors, including the chance to play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), his relationship with Kentucky’s coaching staff, and the opportunity to develop under head coach Mark Stoops. “I have a lot of respect for Notre Dame and their coaching staff, but after visiting Kentucky and seeing the family-like atmosphere and the vision Coach Stoops has for the program, I felt like it was the best place for me to grow as a player,” Leonard said.
The Kentucky Factor
Kentucky’s rise in Leonard’s recruitment has been fueled by the impressive development of their program under head coach Mark Stoops. Stoops has transformed Kentucky into a competitive force in the SEC, with a steady track record of player development and bowl game appearances. Kentucky has long been a school known for its defense and hard-nosed football, but in recent years, the Wildcats have made strides offensively, adding top recruits and improving their passing game.
Leonard’s decision to choose Kentucky over traditional powers like Ohio State and Texas is seen as a major victory for Stoops and his staff. Kentucky’s consistent improvement, combined with their ability to build a relationship with Leonard, ultimately proved to be the tipping point. With the Wildcats becoming a rising force in the SEC, Leonard saw the opportunity to contribute to their future success and play in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences.
Ohio State and Texas Pursuit
While Kentucky’s success on the recruiting trail is noteworthy, the schools Leonard ultimately bypassed — Ohio State and Texas — are no strangers to top-tier recruiting. Both programs have consistently been contenders for national championships and are known for developing elite quarterbacks. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has produced top NFL talents like Justin Fields and CJ Stroud, while Texas, led by Steve Sarkisian, has shown significant progress under the former Alabama offensive coordinator.
Despite their rich tradition of success, both programs were unable to sway Leonard, who instead opted for the opportunity to play for Kentucky. Many expected Ohio State, with its high-powered offense and quarterback-friendly system, to be a strong contender for Leonard’s commitment, but in the end, the Wildcats were able to offer him a unique opportunity that outweighed the appeal of the Buckeyes and the Longhorns.
Alabama Influence
While Leonard ultimately committed to Kentucky, his ties to Alabama may have played a role in his recruitment. As a native of Fairhope, Alabama, Leonard grew up watching the Crimson Tide’s dominance under head coach Nick Saban. It is believed that Alabama made a late push to bring Leonard home, but Kentucky’s offer of immediate playing time and the chance to be a cornerstone player for the program ultimately tipped the scales in the Wildcats’ favor.
Looking Ahead
For Kentucky, landing a top-tier quarterback like Riley Leonard is a game-changer. With the Wildcats continuing to build momentum in the SEC, Leonard’s commitment solidifies their status as a growing contender in the conference. Kentucky fans are eagerly anticipating Leonard’s arrival, hoping he will be the key to taking the program to new heights.
On the other hand, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Texas will now shift their attention to other top quarterback recruits, as they look to fill the void left by Leonard’s surprising decision. For Riley Leonard, the journey to Lexington marks the beginning of a new chapter in his college football career, and all eyes will be on the talented quarterback as he prepares to lead the Kentucky Wildcats into the future.
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