Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore heads into the 2026 college football season as one of the most highly regarded players in the sport, a recognition that underscores both his individual excellence and the defensive foundation he provides for a program with national title aspirations.
The junior defensive back has established himself as a shutdown presence in the secondary, blending physical tools with advanced instincts that make him a constant disruption for opposing offenses.
In rankings released by Sam Khan Jr. of The Athletic, Moore checks in as the second-best player in the country, trailing only Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Khan’s evaluation of the top 100 players for 2026 weighed past production, projected impact, and the physical traits that translate at the highest level of the college game, drawing on feedback from coaches, general managers, and scouts.
Moore’s placement reflects his status as college football’s premier defensive player entering the year.
A 2025 Thorpe Award finalist, Moore brings a complete package to the cornerback position. He possesses the size and length desired at the elite level, pairs it with sticky coverage ability, and demonstrates strong anticipation along with reliable ball skills.
Last season, he ranked among the top 10 Power 4 cornerbacks in interceptions with five, allowed just 7.7 yards per reception, forced incompletions at a 21 percent rate, and held opposing quarterbacks to a 45.9 NFL passer rating when targeted. Those numbers illustrate a player who not only limits big plays but actively creates them for his own team.
For Notre Dame, Moore’s presence elevates an already stout defense and gives the Irish a proven playmaker capable of flipping field position or swinging momentum with a single interception or pass breakup.
As the 2026 campaign approaches, his ranking serves as both validation of what he has already accomplished and a clear signal of the expectations that now surround him.
Opposing offenses will have to account for Moore on every snap, a reality that could open opportunities elsewhere for the Irish secondary and the rest of the defense.
Moore’s ascent also fits a broader narrative of Notre Dame producing high-level talent on the defensive side of the ball. His combination of production, physical traits, and consistency has positioned him as a cornerstone player for the Fighting Irish and one of the defining figures of the upcoming season.
How he builds on last year’s performance will be one of the more closely watched storylines in college football, with the potential to further cement his place among the sport’s elite.
Notre Dame will open its season against Wisconsin on Sept. 6.
