The Notre Dame Fighting Irish ultimately fell short of their goal as they werre defeated by the Ohio State Buckeyes 34-23 at the CFP Championship Game. Despite an all-out effort from quarterback Riley Leonard, and the entire team coached by Marcus Freeman, it wasnāt enough to bring the national title back to South Bend for the first time since 1988.
Following the heartwrenching loss in Atlanta against the Buckeyes, Leonard shared several emotional statements, though he stayed grateful for the postseason journey he embarked on with the Irish.
During the NCAAās decisive matchup, one writing on Leonardās left hand caught the eye of many fans both in attendance and watching on TV. It had something written on it, though it wasnāt very legible. After the game, Leonard revealed the meaning behind the message etched on his hand.
āI wrote on my hand Proverbs 27:17, āAs iron sharpens iron, so should one man sharpen another,ā Leonard confessed, via On3. āIām very happy to praise Jesus in the lowest of lows as well.ā
Riley Leonard #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 09, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Wristband celebration
That verse wasnāt the only biblical reference Leonard featured on his game apparel. After scoring the opening touchdown of the game on a 1-yard run, Leonard pointed to his right wristband that read āMatthew 23:12ā.
see also
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard makes something clear to HC Marcus Freeman about playcalling vs Ohio State
That proverb states: āFor those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.ā
Man of traditions
Leonard is quite superstitious, as Notre Dameās journey through the College Football Playoffs showcased. Prior to the Championship Game, Leonard revealed the story behind his mom texting him āYou suckā, before every game.
Riley Leonard #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a first quarter touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 CFP National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 20, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
āIt started in high school. I was tired of everybody telling me how good I was all the time. I needed someone to tell me I suck every once in a while to give me some motivation. I needed someone to tell me I suck sometimes,ā Leonard said to āGameDay.ā āSo my mom raised her hand and said, āI got you.āā
see also
After loss against Buckeyes, Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman loses key weapon due to the Transfer Portal
āIt lets him know, as much as Iām telling him, āYou suck,ā Iām also kinda telling him that I love you and Iām behind you and Iām supporting you,ā Heather Leonard, Rileyās mother, stated.
