Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard has spoken openly about his faith and belief in God during his college career.
On Wednesday, Leonard told reporters before the national championship game against Ohio State that he believed the players’ open confidence on each team was why they were competing for college football’s top prize.
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Notre Dame quarterback 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, January 9, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
“I definitely think things happen for a reason. Not just us, but Ohio State. I think we’re the two main teams that display our faith the most publicly,” he said via Sports Michiana . “I don’t know if it was divine teaching, you know, that put us here.
“I truly believe Jesus looked over our shoulders throughout the season and put these two teams on a pedestal for a reason.”
Leonard has been open about his faith, especially during the College Football Playoff.
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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, #13, throws oranges to his teammates after winning the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Penn State on Thursday, January 9, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
He was asked what changed in the second half in their win over Penn State in the semifinals.
“Shoot, I just started trusting the Lord. I looked up and said, ‘Jesus, whatever your will is for my life, I trust it 100 percent.’ This offense and this team trusts in Jesus and His plan for this season,” he said via The Deseret.
He also thanked God after the Fighting Irish won against Georgia.
“First of all, 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 group,” he said.
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, #13, celebrates after a quarterfinal game against Georgia in the College Football Playoff Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gérald Herbert)
Notre Dame will face Ohio State for the title on Monday night.
