While Notre Dame star sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore didn’t win the Jim Thorpe Award, he was still a unanimous All-American selection.
While he didn’t take the big award, he has more than enough credibility from his peers. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was also a unanimous All-American, and is viewed by many as one of the top prospects in the 2027 class. Recently he was asked who the toughest defensive back he’s gone up against shared by Yak on social media, and while he didn’t name Leonard Moore right way, that was his ultimate answer.
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Smith said that “good corner, probably the best I went against last year,” which is extremely high praise. According to a Notre Dame Recruiting’s social media post, Moore allowed just 2 catches for 8-yards when they were facing each other in the College Football Playoff championship game last season.
It’s pretty safe to say that both Moore and Smith will be hearing their names getting called early in the 2027 NFL draft, and could have their rivalry extended into the professional ranks.
Jeremiah Smith was asked who is the hardest DB he’s played against and the answer was a no brainer for him..
“Leonard Moore from Notre Dame.. probably the best corner i’ve played against” ☘️ pic.twitter.com/J9iweoukUt
— yak ☘️ (@92killaa) December 25, 2025
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: OSU star WR Jeremiah Smith names Notre Dame DB his toughest to face
