Riley Leonard threw his first career touchdown pass in his debut start yesterday, hitting Alec Pierce for a stunning 66-yard strike as the Colts battled Houston at NRG Stadium. The rookie’s electrifying throw set the tone early in a Week 18 matchup with playoff implications for the AFC South title.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Riley Leonard made his first career start for the Indianapolis Colts on January 4, 2026, replacing injured Anthony Richardson and Philip Rivers
- Leonard’s first TD pass traveled 66 yards to wide receiver Alec Pierce, the longest completion of the season for Indianapolis
- The sixth-round draft pick from Notre Dame (via Duke) completed passes with a 148.2 passer rating in the first quarter alone
- Final score: Houston Texans 20, Indianapolis Colts 16, eliminating the Colts from playoff contention in Week 18
Leonard’s Historic First Start Begins With Perfect Throw
Cagliari faces Lecce tonight in Serie A showdown, Rossoblu seek top-half push
Girona faces Barcelona tonight in La Liga showdown, Barcelona chases lead
The 2025 sixth-round draft selection took the field at NRG Stadium with the Indianapolis Colts trailing early, struggling after a six-game losing streak. On just his third play from scrimmage, Leonard dropped back and launched a perfect deep ball to Pierce, who was streaking down the left sideline.
The ball traveled 66 yards in the air, finding Pierce in stride for an easy touchdown reception. The play gave Indianapolis a 7-3 lead over Houston and announced Leonard’s arrival as a legitimate NFL talent. According to reports, Leonard was 5-for-7 for 79 yards and one touchdown with a remarkable 148.2 passer rating in the opening quarter alone.
Rookie QB Makes Impact Despite Close Loss
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
Leonard finished the game with 18 completions on 33 attempts for 145 passing yards and the one touchdown, establishing himself as a dual-threat option for head coach Shane Steichen. The athletic quarterback added 11 rushing yards on one carry, showcasing the running ability that made him attractive in the draft process.
The Texans controlled the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points to secure the AFC South title with a 20-16 victory. Houston improved to 12-5 after clinching the division, while the Colts finished at 8-8 and out of playoff position despite Leonard’s encouraging debut.
Leonard’s Path From Duke to Notre Dame Reaches NFL
| Category | Details |
| Drafted | April 26, 2025 – Round 6, Pick 189 Overall |
| College History | Duke Blue Devils, then Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
| Playing Style | Dual-threat QB – athletic runner with improving decision-making |
| First TD Pass | 66 yards to Alec Pierce, January 4, 2026 vs Houston |
Leonard originally signed with Duke as a three-star recruit before transferring to Notre Dame for the 2024 season. The Indianapolis Colts selected him in the sixth round with the 189th overall pick in April, making him the first Notre Dame quarterback drafted since Ian Book in 2021.
His path to the field cleared when Anthony Richardson remained on injured reserve and Philip Rivers gave way to Steichen’s decision to start the rookie in the season finale. Leonard’s strong arm and dual-threat capability offer a glimpse into Indianapolis’s quarterback future.
Texans Win Division Title While Colts’ Season Ends in Disappointment
The Houston Texans secured their third consecutive AFC South championship and a playoff berth with the victory. The team’s eight-game winning streak proved decisive in erasing early-season struggles that started with an 0-3 record.
C.J. Stroud and the Texans will head into postseason play, while the Colts finished their disappointing campaign with seven losses in their final eight games. Leonard’s strong debut offers Indianapolis‘s front office optimism heading into the offseason, despite missing the playoffs for the second time in three years.
What’s Next for Riley Leonard and the Colts Organization?
The Colts have significant questions about their quarterback position and roster construction entering the offseason. Leonard’s impressive debut suggests the team may have found a long-term answer at the position, combining his athletic tools with the decision-making abilities he refined at Notre Dame.
Head coach Shane Steichen is currently under pressure after the team’s late-season collapse, and Leonard’s play could be a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing 2025 season. The rookie’s first touchdown pass will be remembered as a promising beginning to what could become a lengthy NFL career, even as the immediate result proved bittersweet for Indianapolis fans hoping for a playoff run that never materialized.
Sources
- NBC Sports – Live coverage of Riley Leonard throwing 66-yard TD to Alec Pierce
- USA Today – First career TD pass details and rookie QB analysis
- CBS Sports – Complete box score and game statistics from NRG Stadium
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.