Riley Leonard's 2024 season was something of a comeback tour from start to finish. He was a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate in his time at Duke, later faltering due to injury and falling off the radar because of the way those issues affected his play.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard always has made his faith a focal point in everything he does. Moments after the Irish fell to Ohio State 34-23 in the College Football Playoff national championship, the Fairhope, Alabama, native made the most of his platform, and his comments went viral.

Riley Leonard opened the national championship game with a do-it-all drive that made it appear the Notre Dame quarterback could win the title by himself. As it turned out, Leonard needed more help.