Leonard Moore Focused on Growth, Not Hype, as Notre Dame Eyes 2026 Run

Notre Dame hasn’t shied away from the reality that 2026 is a statement year.

After being left out of the College Football Playoff in December, the disappointment still lingers inside the program. It’s motivation, but not something the Irish can afford to let become a distraction.

All-American cornerback Leonard Moore understands that balance.

“You can't look forward to any certain game or schedule and look past other games,” stated Moore. “You definitely have to be mindful of the game and the mistakes y'all made that game that cost the season, so you know not to do that again moving forward.” 

While fans have circled the November 7 matchup against Miami, Moore’s mindset is much broader. For him, every week presents an opportunity to prove something.

“Every game on our schedule is circled,” said Moore. “That one hurts a little bit more because it's Miami, that's the biggest game, that's a rivalry. It's gonna be a little about revenge this next year, but we're looking forward to every game.”

There’s also been a different feel around the program this spring.

With Max Bullough, Mike Mickens and Al Washington departing, Notre Dame has brought in three new position coaches.

Chris Ash’s return ensures continuity in scheme, adjusting to new voices has been an adjustment for the defense.

“I feel like it's definitely a little adjustment because it's just coaching changes in general, different people that I'm talking to every day, different coaching tips and advice I'm getting,” Moore explained. “I also got my own stuff, but I'm also getting new things that the new coach wants to implement, so it's an adjustment for sure, but I'm always going to be coachable and learn, keep learning.” 

New defensive backs coach Aaron Henry has already made an impression, particularly with the cornerbacks. Moore sees similarities between Henry and Mickens, especially in their approach.

“He's a great coach and they have two similar philosophies as well, play physical, play fast, obviously play violent,” stated Moore. “Always playing with great effort. They have two similar coaching philosophies. It's a different voice, and they come from two different backgrounds, so it's good to get another different side of playing DB.” 

Despite already being viewed as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks, Moore isn’t approaching 2026 as a finished product.

One area of focus is situational football, something he knows cost him in key moments last season.

“I feel like a few times last year, twice, I think Boston College and Miami, I was beaten in a two-minute situation over the top,” Moore recalled. “I have to understand that two-minute offense getting around the 30-yard line, they're going to the end zone because they already got a field goal. So stuff like that, like just knowing situational football, knowing when and where when I can't get beat.” 

The two-time All-American knows there is plenty of noise around his name, which is deserved. 

But even with the growing national attention, Moore remains driven.

“I don't pay attention to all that,” Moore said. “I know that I had a good two years and I'm setting myself up for the future. I’m looking inward still, even through all the praise and seeing what I can work on and also get better as a leader in the room.” 

That leadership will be critical for a cornerback group loaded with talent.

Notre Dame signed one of the top defensive back classes in program history, and Moore has been impressed with the early enrollees. 

“Those are three bright young dudes and they know the playbook,” explained Moore. “Those dudes are gonna be really good. They're already out here making plays every day, being good in coverage. Most of them are better than what we were coming in as freshmen.” 

Notre Dame has been talented the last few years at cornerback with Moore and Christian Gray lining up on the outside.

This year, Notre Dame has the depth to rotate a little more and it could lead to an even more dangerous secondary. 

“This secondary can be tremendous,” Moore stated. “I've said that. But regardless of how much talent we have in the room, it's about how focused we are. How much can we lock on each given rep? So even with all the talent in the room, there's still so much room to grow.” 

And the goal inside the room isn’t subtle. Moore believes the Irish can be the best secondary in the country. 

“100 percent,” said Moore. “That's the goal at the end of the day, just playing to our full potential. We know what we've got in the room. We know we can be elite.” 

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