Oh yes! Things are finally going just the way Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman has envisioned. By hook or crook, they had to take revenge for their 2007 mishap. The last time when the Fighting Irish faced off against Penn State, the Nittany Lions held strong at home, winning 31-10. The starting of this game definitely must have brought back those daunting flashbacks to Freeman after seeing his left tackle Anthonie Kapp go down with an injury. So what Freeman can no longer count on Kapp? Thanks to the Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard who made Notre Dame history before taking an exit due to injury. In that way, he rises above GOAT Joe Montana. 

Well, Freeman had pinned some high hopes on his starting quarterback. After all, the Duke transfer led the program to a win at Texas A&M to open the 2024 season. But there has been enough controversy regarding Leonard’s play. The biggest example has been his performance against NIU, where the young chap did attract some criticism. The reason? He threw for 163 yards and tossed two interceptions. But at the same time, it marked the turning point for Leonard. From that point forward, he has 32 total touchdowns, with only four picks. And thanks to Freeman for not losing his trust in the quarterback. Leonard finally gave back to his program in a grand way.

During the Orange Bowl, the Notre Dame Football PR Team came up with a big update. They tweeted, “Riley Leonard’s three-yard touchdown run in the third quarter is the 43rd rushing score of the season for Notre Dame, establishing a new program record (previous single-season high was 42 in 1989).” Back in 1989, it was Tonny Rice who gifted the 42nd rushing score. Well, we have seen how fierce Penn State’s pass rush had been in the first half. On the other hand, the Irish offense looked all lost. But kudos to Leonard for his final drive before he left the game to be evaluated for a possible concussion.

When he made a return in the second half, Leonard came off as an invincible force. The quarterback is known for relying on his arm. But this time, Leonard thought of adding some unique touch. So he leaned on the running game. Hitting RB Aneyas Williams for a 36-yard pass, the QB ran for another 15 yards to set up a goal-line push. Before bowing down to injury it was Leonard’s gift to himself and to his team. 

This is something that even legendary Montana couldn’t achieve. Even though the GOAT bagged the national championship back in 1977 and had 131 rushing yards, it was Riley who broke the record 36 years later. Isn’t that enough to make the NFL spotlight fall on him?

A perfect landing spot in wait for Riley Leonard in the NFL 

Well, Leonard has come a long way. He arrived as a three-star recruit in 2021 when he started as a true freshman. The very next year, as a true sophomore, the quarterback stood out by completing 63.8% of his throws for 2,967 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. This type of quick maturation is something not many have shared over the years. 

But he too had to face some hardships. The year 2023 was marred by injuries when Leonard started just seven games. During that period, he had hit the rock bottom of his stats completing a career-low 57.6% of his passes for 1,102 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Finally, after his Orange Bowl performance, he might be able to gain back the trust of the NFL scouts. He already has accepted a Senior Bowl invitation. Now that’s a good way to boost his stock.

The 6-foot-4, 216-pound quarterback has the size that NFL teams covet. As per the speculations, Riley Leonard is predicted to land with the Buffalo Bills. Sean McDermott is likely to select Leonard with the No. 172 overall pick in the fifth round. Now that’s going to be a big break for the quarterback. After all, he will be able to ease into his NFL career behind two veterans, Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky. Let’s see what’s in store for Riley Leonard.