Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is feeling the weight of his team’s College Football Playoff (CFP) loss to Ohio State, both physically and emotionally. The Fighting Irish fell 34-23, and while Leonard showed resilience on the field, he is now facing skepticism from fans who question his future as the team’s leader.
Battling Through the Pain
Leonard, a 6’3”, 210-pound quarterback, recently participated in the Senior Bowl and reflected on the physical toll of the game. Speaking to NFL Network, he admitted, “I’m still sore. Those dudes could hit hard.” However, he emphasized his eagerness to move forward, stating, “Everything goes away as soon as you step onto the field.” Despite his determination, some fans remain unconvinced that he’s fully prepared to lead Notre Dame in the 2025 season.
His injury history has also been a concern. During the 2023 season, while playing for Duke against Notre Dame, Leonard suffered a high ankle sprain, forcing him to miss multiple games and eventually undergo surgery for a stress fracture. This history of injuries has led some fans to question his durability and long-term viability as a quarterback for the Fighting Irish.
The Quarterback Debate: Leonard vs. CJ Carr
With Leonard set to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, Notre Dame fans are divided on whether he should return for another season or if it’s time to turn to highly-touted freshman CJ Carr. A recent discussion on Reddit posed the question: “If Leonard could come back, would you want him to?” While some praised his leadership and toughness, the majority of responses were blunt: “No.”
Critics argue that Leonard’s passing was inconsistent and that his struggles under pressure in the CFP loss highlight his limitations. During that game, he was sacked twice in the second half and failed to score in the second quarter, allowing Ohio State to build a commanding 21-0 lead. Some fans believe that CJ Carr, despite his lack of college experience and an elbow injury that sidelined him in 2024, deserves a chance to lead the team.
One fan expressed excitement about Carr’s potential, saying, “I’m happy to see the CJ Carr era and what it can bring, even if it means bumps with the development.” Others, however, argued that Leonard still deserves a shot, noting that Carr has yet to play a single college snap.
Leonard’s Performance: A Silver Lining?
Despite the loss, Leonard’s performance in the CFP game wasn’t all negative. He completed 22 of 31 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 40 yards and scoring a touchdown on the ground. His ability to break through Ohio State’s defense early in the game was notable, though his struggles under pressure ultimately cost Notre Dame.
Reaching the CFP final is no small feat, and Leonard played a key role in getting the Fighting Irish there. However, with the team’s future at quarterback in question, Notre Dame must decide whether to stick with Leonard or usher in a new era with CJ Carr.
What’s Next for Notre Dame?
As the Fighting Irish prepare for the 2025 season, the quarterback position remains one of the biggest storylines. Leonard’s decision to enter the NFL Draft suggests he may not return, but if he were to reconsider, Notre Dame fans would have to decide whether they believe in his ability to lead the team—or if it’s time to give Carr a chance.
What do you think? Should Notre Dame stick with Riley Leonard, or is it time for CJ Carr to take over?