SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Junior cornerback Leonard Moore has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award, which honors the most outstanding defensive player in college football. It’s the second-straight season Moore has been named a semifinalist for the award.
One Irish player has won the Bednarik Award: LB Manti Te’o (2012).
Through seven games played this season, the Round Rock, Texas, native has recorded 17 tackles, five pass breakups and one forced fumble. He has also earned First-Team Midseason All-America honors from The Associated Press, The Sporting News and The Athletic.
Moore has been targeted just 18 times this season in 347 defensive snaps according to PFF. He has yet to allow a touchdown this season in coverage.
Notre Dame’s defense has allowed just 251.9 yards per game, the lowest among all power four schools, while allowing the ninth-fewest points per game in the FBS this season at 14.6.
The Irish remain at home this upcoming weekend, hosting Boston College on Saturday, Nov. 14. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.