Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard credits outspoken faith in rallying Ohio State’s national title team
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard has been open about his faith and belief in God throughout his college career.
Leonard told reporters Wednesday before the national championship game against Ohio State that he believes the open faith of the players on each team is why they compete for college football’s top prize.
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Notre Dame running back Riley Leonard, #13, targets a pass during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game against Penn State on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
“I really think things happen for a reason. Not just us, but Ohio State. I think we’re the two major teams that make the most public statements of our faith,” he said, via Sports Michiana. “I don’t know if this is some divine teaching, you know, who put us here.
“I truly believe that Jesus has been looking over our shoulder all season and put these two teams on a pedestal for a reason.”
Leonard has been open about his faith, especially in the college football playoffs.
OHIO STATE PLAYER, TIKTOK STAR FIRED BEFORE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AGAINST NOTRE DAME
Notre Dame running back Riley Leonard, #13, tosses oranges to his teammates after winning the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Penn State on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
He was asked what changed in the second half of the semifinal win over Penn State.
“Hell, I just started trusting in the Lord. I looked up and said, ‘Jesus, whatever your will is for my life, I believe in it 100%.’ This offense and this team trust Jesus and his plan for this season,” he said, via Dessertst.
He also thanked God after the Fighting Irish’s win over Georgia.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, I wouldn’t be here and we wouldn’t be here as a whole group,” he said.
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, #13, celebrates after the quarterfinal game against Georgia in the College Football Playoff Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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Notre Dame will play Ohio State for the title on Monday night.
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