Colts QB Riley Leonard Makes Telling Notre Dame NIL Admission

In the new era of NIL in the college football world, young quarterbacks with professional aspirations have a lot more to consider when it comes to their NFL draft decisions.

Collegiate quarterbacks for the top programs in the nation likely earn significantly more than they would under a standard NFL rookie contract - a fact recently confirmed by former Notre Dame signal caller Riley Leonard.

Leonard transferred to Notre Dame for his final year of collegiate eligibility after three seasons with Duke, signing a lucrative NIL contract. He signed a four-year, $4.435 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts after the franchise selected him with their No. 189 overall pick in the 2025 draft.

During a recent interview with David Ubben of The Athletic, Leonard confirmed that he made more money as QB for the Fighting Irish. The 23-year-old signal caller also pointed out the fact that today’s college quarterbacks are likely making even more money than he did during his year in South Bend.

"I'm definitely making less with the Colts," Leonard said. "And you see the numbers flying around college football. The money's doubled since I've been there."

Leonard would not reveal his exact NIL contract with Notre Dame, but did say he made more than 10 times the money he earned during his previous season with Duke. He said the reported estimate of $1.5 million was "overshooting it a little bit."

"In college, the money is way more guaranteed," Leonard continued. "Only like $200,000 of my contract is guaranteed. You have to make the team every year for four years straight to earn it all."

Leonard appeared in five games for the Colts in his 2025 rookie season, completing 58.2% of his pass attempts for 415 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 9:01 AM.