Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore has been named a Preseason All-American by Lindy’s Sports, a major nod of national recognition for a player who has quietly built a reputation as one of the most reliable and physical defenders in college football. As the 2025 season approaches, Moore’s name is now firmly planted on the radar of NFL scouts, media analysts, and college football fans alike — a development that reflects not just his production, but his consistent growth and leadership within one of the sport’s most storied programs.
A 6-foot-2, 200-pound lockdown specialist with blazing recovery speed and a fearless motor, Moore is set to be a centerpiece of Notre Dame’s defense in what could be a defining year for both the player and the program. With the Fighting Irish aiming to reassert themselves in the College Football Playoff conversation, Moore’s emergence as a preseason All-American validates not just his personal journey but also the defensive identity Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman continues to craft in South Bend.
Moore’s rise has been anything but overnight. He entered the college ranks as a four-star recruit out of Round Rock, Texas — a state known for its gridiron talent — and immediately brought with him a sense of confidence and maturity that belied his youth. Those early flashes of promise materialized quickly. As a freshman, Moore didn’t just contribute — he competed. His physicality at the point of attack, ball skills, and innate football IQ earned him early snaps in meaningful situations, and by the end of his first season, the coaching staff already saw the makings of a future star.
What has separated Moore from so many of his peers is not just his raw athleticism or his size-speed combination, but his attention to detail. He’s a student of the game in every sense. Teammates and coaches rave about his film study habits, his ability to dissect route combinations, and his pre-snap awareness — the kind of attributes that make elite cornerbacks at the next level. Moore isn’t just trying to cover receivers. He’s trying to eliminate them from the play entirely.
By his sophomore season, Moore had evolved into Notre Dame’s top corner. The transition was seamless, a testament to his preparation and poise. Week after week, he was tasked with shutting down some of the nation’s most dynamic receivers — and more often than not, he delivered. Whether lined up on the boundary or playing inside, Moore displayed the versatility and toughness that defensive coordinators dream about. He ended that season with three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and countless moments where quarterbacks simply avoided throwing in his direction.
It wasn’t just the stats that turned heads — it was the way he went about his business. Moore exuded confidence without arrogance. He didn’t talk trash. He didn’t seek the spotlight. He simply dominated, play after play, series after series, game after game. In an era where flashy social media posts and NIL branding dominate the headlines, Moore’s approach has been refreshingly old school — grind quietly, lead loudly, and let the game speak for itself.
That mentality has made him a cornerstone in the Irish locker room. Coaches trust him. Teammates look up to him. And now, with Lindy’s Sports recognizing him as a preseason All-American, the rest of the nation is starting to understand what Notre Dame has long known — Leonard Moore is special.
What makes this preseason honor so significant is that it comes with real expectations. Lindy’s Sports doesn’t hand out preseason accolades lightly. Their selections are based on in-depth scouting, film review, and conversations with coaches and insiders across the country. For Moore to earn this distinction in a year where the cornerback class is considered deep and talented is both a recognition of what he’s already done and an endorsement of what he’s expected to become.
Moore’s skill set is tailor-made for today’s game. At a time when college offenses are more dynamic and pass-happy than ever before, having a cornerback who can erase a top receiver without safety help is invaluable. His ability to jam receivers at the line, turn and run with speedsters, and contest passes at the catch point makes him a true three-down threat. Combine that with his willingness to support the run and take on larger ball carriers, and you get a complete defensive back — the kind that rarely comes around.
There’s also the intangible factor — something that’s hard to quantify but easy to spot. Moore plays with an edge. He plays with urgency. And he carries himself like someone who understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the gold helmet of Notre Dame. In the biggest games, against the biggest names, Moore has consistently risen to the occasion. Whether it was blanketing top wideouts from Ohio State, USC, or Clemson, he never flinched. He relishes those moments.
The All-American nod is also a reflection of the broader defensive culture Freeman is cultivating in South Bend. A former elite defender himself, Freeman has put a premium on physicality, discipline, and player development. Under his leadership, players like Moore haven’t just survived — they’ve thrived. The Fighting Irish defense ranked among the nation’s best in multiple categories last season, and with Moore back leading the secondary, there’s every reason to believe they’ll be even better in 2025.
For Moore, though, individual accolades are not the end goal. He’s made it clear in interviews that his focus remains team-first. He wants wins. He wants championships. And he wants to be remembered not just as a great player, but as part of a great Notre Dame team. That’s the kind of perspective that resonates with fans and alumni. It’s the kind of mindset that builds legacies.
But while Moore may deflect attention, the spotlight will continue to grow. NFL evaluators are already taking serious notice. Multiple mock drafts have him pegged as a first-round prospect. His blend of size, athleticism, and technique checks every box on a scout’s list. And his production — coupled with the competition he’s faced — leaves little doubt that he can make the leap to Sundays when the time comes.
Of course, Moore isn’t thinking about the draft just yet. He’s thinking about Navy in Week 1. He’s thinking about silencing The Horseshoe in October. He’s thinking about the College Football Playoff. That’s what makes him dangerous. That’s what makes him great.
Recognition from Lindy’s Sports won’t change who Leonard Moore is. He’ll still be the first one in the film room and the last one off the practice field. He’ll still take pride in doing the little things — from setting the edge on perimeter runs to rallying his teammates after a tough play. But now, with the All-American label next to his name, the world will be watching a little more closely. Every rep will be scrutinized. Every matchup will be magnified.
