The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Riley Leonard
In the unpredictable world of college football, heroes are often forged in the fires of adversity—and Riley Leonard’s story is no exception. One moment, he was the subject of heated debates and fan frustrations; the next, he became the beating heart of Notre Dame’s football program. The same fans who once questioned his leadership now sing his praises, after witnessing his grit and sacrifice during a season that tested his limits both physically and mentally.
It wasn’t always love at first sight for Irish fans. Leonard, the 6’3”, 210-pound quarterback, faced heavy scrutiny during Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff (CFP) run. Every throw, every decision, every step he took was dissected under the harsh glare of expectations. But after a gut-wrenching loss to Ohio State and a season-ending twist that left him emotionally shattered, Leonard’s story took a turn—and so did the hearts of Notre Dame’s faithful.
The Battle Against the Buckeyes: Leonard’s Defining Moment
Leonard’s final game in a Notre Dame uniform wasn’t just a football game—it was an all-out war. Facing the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CFP, Leonard endured a brutal 34-23 defeat that left more than just the scoreboard bruised. The Buckeyes’ defense came at him like a freight train, landing punishing hits that would’ve rattled even the toughest players. But Leonard? He stood tall.
“I’m still sore. Those dudes could hit hard,” Leonard admitted in an interview with NFL Network, underscoring the physical toll the game exacted on him. Despite entering the matchup as 8.5-point underdogs, Leonard delivered a performance that screamed resilience: 22 of 31 passes completed for 255 yards and two touchdowns, plus 40 rushing yards and a score on the ground. It wasn’t enough to secure a win, but it was more than enough to prove his heart was in every play.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman later reflected on the game plan, admitting that they may have leaned too heavily on Leonard’s shoulders. “We couldn’t run Riley every play. It’s not right for Riley, and it’s not going to sustain the success we needed offensively,” Freeman confessed. But by the time those adjustments were made, the damage had been done.
Leonard wasn’t just battered physically—he was vomiting on the sidelines at one point, an image that quickly became the symbol of his dedication. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real. And in that raw, unfiltered moment, Notre Dame fans began to see him not as just another quarterback, but as a warrior who left everything on the field.
The Fallout: A Fanbase Divided, Then United
In the immediate aftermath of the CFP loss, Notre Dame’s quarterback debate reignited. Many called for CJ Carr, the highly-touted 4-star freshman, to take the reins. Carr had missed the entire 2024 season due to an elbow injury but reported he was “95% recovered” and eager to prove himself in 2025. With Leonard declaring for the NFL Draft, the door seemed wide open for a new era under center.
But something unexpected happened. As the dust settled and fans replayed the season’s highs and lows, the narrative around Leonard began to shift. The same fans who once critiqued his performance started to recognize the unique challenges he faced—especially behind a makeshift offensive line that often left him scrambling for his life.
A heartfelt post on Notre Dame’s Reddit community captured this turning point perfectly:
“Riley Leonard gave us the best season in the 2000s. Sure, he had maybe the best overall team to accompany him, but still. He gave everything. All this comparison stuff and desire for a different style QB or different game plan just sounds tone-deaf after maybe not the result we wanted in the ship. I believe this team was better than the 2012 squad that went against Alabama. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to run the wheels off this season ☘️”
Suddenly, Leonard wasn’t just a quarterback who fell short in the playoffs—he was the player who gave his blood, sweat, and literal tears to push the team as far as possible.
Leonard: Notre Dame’s Tim Tebow?
Comparisons to college football legends soon followed. One fan wrote, “He was our Tim Tebow, and I am grateful for the year he gave us.” That’s no small compliment. Tebow, often hailed as one of the greatest college football players ever, was known for his fiery passion, unyielding leadership, and the ability to inspire his team even in the face of impossible odds.
Leonard may not have the Heisman hardware, but his relentless resilience and ability to rise above adversity earned him a similar kind of respect. He wasn’t just leading plays; he was leading hearts.
Another fan pointed out a more tactical appreciation:
“With our makeshift OL, a less mobile, pocket-type QB would have been a disaster. Thankful we had him.”
Notre Dame’s offensive line, traditionally a fortress, struggled to protect Leonard consistently. But his mobility and quick thinking often saved the offense from collapsing under pressure. Without his ability to extend plays, the Irish might’ve faced far more than just a playoff loss—they could’ve faced a season implosion.
Leaving It All on the Field—Literally
As fans continued to reflect, one sentiment became clear: Leonard’s sacrifice outweighed any strategic missteps.
“He was ready to die on the field for a W.”
That level of commitment doesn’t just inspire—it transforms. Another fan summed up the new collective sentiment:
“I agree, there was far too much Leonard slander. Love that kid, and he played great for us. I’ll miss him next year!”
Looking Ahead: The NFL and Beyond
Leonard’s journey didn’t end with that final whistle against Ohio State. At the Senior Bowl, he showcased the same toughness that defined his time at Notre Dame, brushing off concerns about the grueling NFL schedule.
“Everybody talks about the long season in the NFL, but sign me up,” he said confidently. “I want to play as many games as possible.”
While the CFP loss may have knocked him down a few spots on draft boards, Leonard’s mentality, toughness, and heart have earned him respect where it matters most—in the locker room, among his teammates, and now, finally, in the hearts of Notre Dame fans.
The Legacy of Riley Leonard
In the end, Riley Leonard’s story isn’t just about wins or losses—it’s about resilience, sacrifice, and the power of perseverance. The quarterback who once faced criticism now leaves Notre Dame with a legacy of unmatched dedication. His time in South Bend may be over, but his impact will linger long after the echoes fade in Notre Dame Stadium.
And as for the fans who doubted him? They’re now his biggest supporters, forever grateful for the season—and the heart—he gave them.
