Marcus Freeman’s vision for Notre Dame is finally coming to fruition. In a thrilling Orange Bowl matchup, Freeman and the Fighting Irish avenged their 2007 loss to Penn State, a game where the Nittany Lions secured a dominant 31-10 victory. This time, Notre Dame emerged triumphant, with quarterback Riley Leonard making history in the process.
A Game Full of Challenges
The game began on a shaky note for Notre Dame as left tackle Anthonie Kapp suffered an injury early on, raising concerns for Freeman and his team. Despite the setbacks, Riley Leonard stepped up in a monumental way. The quarterback, a transfer from Duke, has had a controversial yet impactful season. Though criticized for a lackluster performance against Northern Illinois earlier in the year, where he threw for 163 yards and two interceptions, Leonard’s resilience turned his season around. He recorded 32 total touchdowns with only four interceptions following that game. Freeman’s faith in Leonard paid off in grand fashion, as the QB delivered one of the most memorable performances in Notre Dame history.
Riley Leonard’s three-yard touchdown run in the third quarter is the 43rd rushing score of the season for Notre Dame, establishing a new program record (previous single-season high was 42 in 1989).
— Notre Dame Football PR Team (@NDFootballPR) January 10, 2025
Record-Breaking Performance
During the game, the Notre Dame Football PR team highlighted Leonard’s historic contributions, tweeting: “Riley Leonard’s three-yard touchdown run in the third quarter is the 43rd rushing score of the season for Notre Dame, establishing a new program record (previous single-season high was 42 in 1989).” Back in 1989, quarterback Tony Rice set the record with 42 rushing touchdowns, a feat that remained untouched until now.
Despite facing a formidable Penn State pass rush, Leonard relied on his versatility, utilizing both his arm and legs. One standout moment came when Leonard hit running back Aneyas Williams with a 36-yard pass and followed it up with a 15-yard run to set up a goal-line push. This multifaceted approach helped Leonard surpass even the legendary Joe Montana’s achievements at Notre Dame. Montana, who won a national championship in 1977 and recorded 131 rushing yards, now watches his records eclipsed 36 years later by Leonard’s accomplishments.
A Bright Future Ahead
Leonard’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth. A three-star recruit in 2021, Leonard quickly proved himself as a capable quarterback. By his sophomore year, he completed 63.8% of his passes for 2,967 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. However, his 2023 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to seven games and career-low stats. Leonard’s resurgence in 2024, culminating in his Orange Bowl performance, has revitalized his NFL prospects.
The quarterback has already accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he hopes to further impress NFL scouts. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 216 pounds, Leonard has the physical attributes coveted by professional teams. Speculation suggests that the Buffalo Bills might select Leonard in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. This would allow him to learn and grow behind veteran quarterbacks Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky, easing his transition into the NFL.
Legacy and Impact
Riley Leonard’s record-breaking season has reignited discussions about his future in the NFL and his place in Notre Dame’s storied history. While Joe Montana remains a legendary figure, Leonard’s accomplishments in 2024 have set a new standard for Fighting Irish quarterbacks. His ability to bounce back from adversity and deliver under pressure has undoubtedly made him one of the most talked-about players in college football. Now, all eyes are on Leonard as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.