Riley Leonard’s journey from Duke to Notre Dame has been pivotal in propelling the Fighting Irish to the national title game. After transferring, Leonard quickly established himself as a leader, demonstrating poise and resilience. In his debut against Texas A&M, he led a decisive 85-yard drive, culminating in a 21-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love, securing a 23-13 victory.
Leonard’s dual-threat capabilities have been instrumental throughout the season. In the Orange Bowl against Penn State, after briefly exiting due to a hit, he returned to engineer two critical third-quarter touchdown drives, turning a 10-3 halftime deficit into a lead. His 54-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Greathouse in the fourth quarter tied the game, setting the stage for a 27-24 win.
The mutual trust between Leonard and Notre Dame has been evident. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock praised Leonard’s competitive nature, stating, “He’s a winner, and he brings people around him to his level.”
Leonard, in turn, expressed confidence in his teammates’ preparation and dedication.
As Notre Dame prepares to face Ohio State in the national championship, the partnership between Leonard and the Fighting Irish stands as a testament to shared goals and unwavering trust. Their collective journey underscores the impact of leadership and mutual belief in achieving success.
