Riley Leonard Leads Notre Dame to Victory, Secures Spot in National Championship

Notre Dame secured its place in the first College Football Playoff National Championship game of the expanded era with a thrilling 27-24 comeback win over Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday.

Fighting Irish kicker Mitch Jeter delivered a clutch 41-yard field goal to cap off a dramatic battle between two storied programs.

Notre Dame’s victory hinged on quarterback Riley Leonard’s determination and grit as he returned from an injury to lead his team to triumph.

“He’s a competitor, and competitors find a way to win,” Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said during a postgame interview on ESPN. “It’s an honor to be a part of this with him.”

A Game of Resilience and Resolve

Penn State Nittany Lions face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 9, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Leonard left the game in the second quarter after an injury, forcing backup quarterback Steve Angeli into action. At the time, Notre Dame trailed 10-0. Angeli steadied the Irish with a field goal drive that cut the deficit to 10-3 heading into halftime.

In the second half, Leonard returned to the field and ignited the Irish offense, leading a touchdown drive to tie the game. The teams traded blows in a riveting second half, each answering the other’s scores.

Penn State’s defensive end Abdul Carter celebrates a tackle on Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)

With two minutes remaining, Leonard had a chance to lead a go-ahead drive but was sacked on third down, forcing Notre Dame to punt. Penn State’s Drew Allar then had his own chance to cement his legacy, potentially vaulting himself into the NFL Draft’s top quarterback conversation. But under pressure, Allar threw a game-changing interception, handing the ball back to Leonard and the Irish.

Leonard Delivers When It Matters Most

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard celebrates a touchdown with teammates in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)

Leonard seized the opportunity, orchestrating a final drive that positioned Jeter for the decisive field goal. After the game, Leonard credited his faith: “I just trusted in Jesus,” he said during a postgame interview with ESPN.

Notre Dame’s magical postseason continues after their historic Sugar Bowl victory against Georgia, played just one day after a tragic terrorist attack claimed 14 lives.

The Irish now await the winner of Friday’s Cotton Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Texas, as their quest for a national championship rolls on.