Despite an extraordinary effort, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish fell just short in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes. After falling behind 31-7, Notre Dame staged a remarkable comeback, only to see their hopes dashed by a long pass to Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith that sealed a 34-23 victory.
Even though they didn’t secure the title, Notre Dame’s season was nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on their journey, it’s clear they were one of the most compelling stories in college football this year. Here are three reasons why Notre Dame deserved to win the CFP championship:
1. A Standalone Force in a Year of Conference Drama
As conferences like the Big Ten, SEC, and ACC wrestled over which teams deserved playoff spots, Notre Dame operated outside the fray. Amid constant debate over who would claim the final spots in the 12-team playoff, Notre Dame quietly dominated. They entered the playoffs riding a 10-game winning streak and continued their impressive performance to reach the title game.
Their success stood in stark contrast to the contentious conference battles. SMU, the last team to make the field, was routed in their opening game, while Alabama, the first team out, failed to prove they deserved inclusion. Notre Dame’s journey was a refreshing counterpoint to the noise of conference politicking.
2. The Resilience of Their Comeback
Trailing 31-7 in the third quarter, Notre Dame’s chances looked bleak. Yet the team clawed back with two touchdowns and two successful two-point conversions, narrowing the deficit to 31-23. With Ohio State facing a crucial 3rd-and-11 in their own territory, Notre Dame was on the brink of getting the ball back. However, a deep pass from Ohio State proved decisive, ending the Irish’s hopes.
This comeback underscored Notre Dame’s grit and determination. Pushing Ohio State to their limits in a season where the Buckeyes often appeared untouchable demonstrated why Notre Dame belonged on the grandest stage of college football.
3. Riley Leonard’s Heroic Season
One of the defining figures of the season was Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard. Although Heisman winner Travis Hunter and Ohio State stars Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith also made headlines, Leonard’s journey captivated Irish fans.
A transfer from Duke, Leonard transformed from a solid player on a competitive team to a standout star at Notre Dame. His accurate passing, timely running, and poise under pressure made him a critical component of the team’s success. Leonard’s exceptional season cemented his place among Notre Dame legends and left an indelible mark on the college football landscape.
Notre Dame may not have secured the ultimate prize, but their season was nothing short of inspiring. Their resilience, standout performances, and ability to rise above the noise of conference debates made them a team to celebrate.