Leonard played college basketball at San Diego State University from 2009 to 2011, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the court. In his freshman season, he averaged an impressive 12.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, leading the team to a 25-9 record and the Mountain West Conference (MWC) tournament title. He was named the MWC Freshman of the Year, First Team All-MWC, and the 2010 MWC tournament MVP, cementing his status as one of the top players in the conference.

The following year, Leonard continued to excel, averaging 15.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game and helping the Aztecs to a remarkable 34-3 record. With Leonard leading the way, San Diego State won back-to-back conference tournament championships and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. He was named to the Second Team All-America and was ready to take the next step in his career by entering the 2011 NBA draft.

Leonard's success at San Diego State did not go unnoticed, and on February 1, 2020, the university retired his number 15 jersey. This was a remarkable achievement. Leonard's jersey now hangs proudly in the rafters alongside those of Michael Cage (44) and Milton "Milky" Phelps (22), who are the only other players in the program's history to have received this honor.

In conclusion, Kawhi Leonard's success in college basketball laid the foundation for his incredible career in the NBA. His time at San Diego State was marked by impressive individual achievements and team success, and it is clear that his contributions to the program will be remembered for years to come.