It’s been almost a week since Notre Dame lost the College Football Playoff National Championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes. It seems the person who is most impacted by the defeat is QB Riley Leonard.
Riley Leonard Pushes Through Pain To Compete in Senior Bowl After National Championship Loss
Leonard had a very crucial role as Notre Dame’s quarterback. Because he was the only one who was obliged to both throw and run the ball, Leonard was considered to be one of the best players to turn the game in their favor.
The main highlight of the match was Leonard completing 22 of 31 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
He also ran the ball 17 times, gaining 40 tough yards and scoring one touchdown.
Leonard’s one and only rushing score came on Notre Dame’s first drive, where the team took nearly 10 minutes to move down the field in 18 plays. He ran the ball 11 times during that drive.
Leonard seems to be shocked by the national championship loss and commented ahead of the Senior Bowl:
“I’m still feeling it. Those dudes could hit. I took a lot of them. But it’s good to be out here. I woke up this morning still a little sore. But shoot, everything goes away as soon as you step onto the field. It’s good to be back.
“The weather is a whole lot warmer than it is in South Bend, so it’s like a vacation for me coming home. To be able to work with the best in the country, what more could you ask for?”
MORE: Biggest Winners From 2025 Senior Bowl Measurements
Furthermore, Leonard shared his future goal, stating that he will take one step at a time to accomplish his goals:
“Everybody talks about the long season in the NFL and the longer season in college, playing 16 games this year for me, but sign me up. I want to play as many games as possible. What am I going to do in the offseason?
“I’m just trying to play ball. As many games as possible. That’s why I’m here this week. I’m playing. If you give me a chance to play football, I’m going to play it.”
Leonard also added that he had the best experience of his life playing for Duke and Notre Dame, with both schools helping mold him into the player he is today.
“I had to do a lot of adapting. Went through a lot of adversity, as well, going from 3-9 my freshman year to 9-4 and getting injured and having three offseason surgeries.
“A really shaky start to the season this year, which goes without saying, getting thrown in the ocean. I’ve been through a lot and overcame all of that. I think I’m at the best version of myself right now. I’m more confident than I’ve ever been.”
It’s too early to assume that Leonard will be a high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but as there is a scarcity at the position, he could hear his name called earlier than some suspect.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
