The Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a 27-17 victory in the opening round of the 12-team College Football Playoff, delivering a dominant performance against the Indiana Hoosiers. Riley Leonard’s standout play was central to the win, as he led the Irish with both his arm and legs. The Fighting Irish defense stifled Indiana’s previously potent offense, and their powerful ground game, totaling 193 rushing yards, was crucial in overcoming the frigid South Bend conditions. This victory propelled Notre Dame to the Sugar Bowl quarterfinals, where they will face No. 2 Georgia.
Notre Dame set the tone early, with Jeremiyah Love breaking the longest run in College Football Playoff history — a stunning 98-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Leonard, however, was the heart of the offense, contributing a record-breaking 1-yard rushing touchdown that capped a 9-play, 78-yard drive. This milestone made Leonard the Notre Dame quarterback with the most rushing touchdowns in a single season, surpassing Brandon Wimbush’s 2017 record. Leonard had also set up his touchdown with a 44-yard deep pass to Jordan Faison during the drive.
Though Indiana made a brief surge with two touchdowns in the final 90 seconds, it was too little, too late. Leonard’s composure under pressure and his leadership throughout the game left a lasting impression, ensuring Notre Dame’s dominance on both sides of the ball. The Irish’s performance against Indiana’s previously impenetrable run defense solidified their reputation as a formidable playoff contender. As they prepare for Georgia, Leonard’s contributions will undoubtedly remain key to their success.
In addition to his leadership on the field, Riley Leonard’s victory was historic as he set a new single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a Notre Dame quarterback with 15, surpassing Wimbush’s 2017 mark. Leonard completed 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown, adding 30 rushing yards and another score. Reflecting on his journey to Notre Dame, Leonard expressed pride in his achievement, calling the playoff experience “fulfilling” and noting that fans had eagerly anticipated this moment since his commitment.
Leonard’s well-rounded performance not only helped Notre Dame advance to the next stage of the playoffs but also solidified his place in the program’s history as one of its most dynamic and effective quarte
rbacks.