Leonard Moore, a junior cornerback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has earned a spot on the prestigious Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, which honors college football players who excel in community service, academics, and athletic performance.
This recognition adds to an impressive list of accolades for Moore this preseason. He has also been named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Watch List, the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, and the Nagurski Trophy Watch List. Furthermore, he has received first-team preseason All-American honors from both Walter Camp and Sporting News, underscoring his status as one of the top players in college football.
Notre Dame has a proud history with the Wuerffel Trophy, having produced one winner in linebacker Drue Tranquill in 2018. The program has seen several finalists over the years, including two in the last three seasons: linebacker JD Bertrand in 2023 and linebacker Jack Kiser in 2024. Tranquill was also a finalist in 2017, while linebacker Brandon Hoyte earned the same distinction in 2005. Last season, Aamil Wagner was recognized as a semifinalist.
Moore's contributions extend far beyond the football field. He leads Tackle Attendance South Bend, an initiative aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism among students. The program emphasizes mentorship and accountability, bringing together schools, families, and community partners to foster a culture of engagement and support. Tackle Attendance seeks to inspire students to stay involved in their education and develop positive habits that will help them succeed.
In addition to his work with Tackle Attendance, Moore actively participates in the Black Student Athlete Summit, an event he has attended annually since 2015. His philanthropic efforts also include a significant project in Dakar, Senegal, where he fully funded the construction of a regulation-size basketball court through his partnership with NDAQ Academie. This facility aims to enhance access to sports and recreational opportunities for the local community.
On the field, Moore had an outstanding performance in the 2025 season, being named a Unanimous All-American after leading the Fighting Irish with five interceptions, which ranked him tied for seventh in the nation. He also recorded 31 total tackles, forced one fumble, and achieved seven pass breakups, showcasing his all-around skills as a defensive player.
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