The quarterbacks set to match up in the College Football Playoff National Championship game have more in common than you’d think. Riley Leonard and Will Howard have each led their teams with excellent, gritty play to the title game. But one commonality was revealed in the lead-up to the championship game.
Former Football Camp Roommates Set To Face Off in Title Game
It’s funny how life works out.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes have outlasted every team in the country as they remain the final two teams still playing into mid-January in 2025. They’ll prepare to match up on Monday, Jan. 20 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The quarterbacks in the matchup, the Fighting Irish’s Leonard and Buckeyes’ Howard, weren’t on their respective teams a year ago. Both transferred for their final year of eligibility looking for a chance to win a national championship. Now, here they are. But the similarities don’t end there.
Each summer at the end of June, some of the best college quarterbacks in the country congregate in Thibodaux, La., to take part in the Manning Passing Academy, one of the most prestigious and well-known football camps in the country.
Both Leonard and Howard were camp enrollees in 2024 — and, according to Archie Manning, they were even roommates, as Eli Manning revealed the text from his father.
“FYI – Riley Leonard and Will Howard were roommates at Manning Passing Academy last summer!”
Just like with Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers and Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer, who were roommates their freshman year at Ohio State and matched up in the Cotton Bowl, oftentimes it’s the ones you’re close with that bring out the best and most competitive version of yourself.
Both teams wouldn’t be in their positions without their quarterback. Leonard’s stats don’t show the whole story; he’s thrown for 514 yards and three touchdowns while committing three interceptions and rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns in three games during the College Football Playoff.
But his grit and timely play-making ability have been on full display for the nation to see. It’s hard not to root for someone like Leonard who’s been at the forefront of Notre Dame’s playoff run.
Howard’s stats are much prettier. He’s completed nearly 74% of his passes for 919 yards with six touchdowns and only two interceptions during his three-game CFP run, finding top receiver Jeremiah Smith and, when he’s taken away, taking what the defense is giving him. Howard is peaking at the right time.
Each player has looked like the senior quarterback that they are. The experience gained from previous seasons has helped put them in their position, with a national championship on the line.
While they won’t be on the field together simultaneously, each has shown their immense competitive nature throughout their playoff run — with the potential for added motivation due to their relationship.
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