SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Junior cornerback Leonard Moore has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
Moore, a finalist for the award last season, is one of 15 players selected as semifinalists. He’s been targeted just 16 times this season according to PFF, breaking up five passes. On the season, Moore has 13 tackles (ten solo) on the season.
As a unit, the Notre Dame defense leads the country in total defense through the first half of the season, allowing just 235 yards per game, more than 15 fewer than the next closest team. The Irish have given up 67.3 rushing yards a game this season, the third-fewest in the FBS, while allowing just 13.4 points per game in 2026, tied for the fourth lowest in the country.
The Irish return to action Saturday on Oct. 31 against Navy at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts at noon ET on ABC.