Notre Dame’s QB Riley Leonard gets brutally honest on Ohio State’s defense

The bruises may fade, but the memory lingers. Riley Leonard, Notre Dame’s quarterback, is still feeling the aftershocks of the College Football Playoff National Championship loss to Ohio State. The Buckeyes didn’t just take home the 34-23 victory-they left their mark on Leonard, literally.

It started with promise. Leonard opened the game with a rushing touchdown that put Notre Dame up 7-0, sparking hope that the Fighting Irish could stand toe-to-toe with one of college football’s powerhouses. But the Buckeyes had other plans. They turned up the heat, shutting down Notre Dame’s offense with relentless pressure. Leonard was sacked twice and spent most of the game dodging defenders, with Ohio State racking up seven tackles for loss. It was the kind of physicality that doesn’t just show up on the stat sheet-it sticks with you.

Speaking at the Senior Bowl, Leonard admitted he’s still feeling it. “I’m still sore. Those dudes could hit. I took a lot of them,” he told NFL Network’s broadcast crew.“But it’s good to be out here. Everything goes away as soon as you step onto the field.” The game may be behind him, but the lessons-and the bruises-are still fresh.

Now, the focus shifts from South Bend to the NFL. Leonard knows he’s not projected as a first-round pick, but he’s taking it all in stride. The Senior Bowl is a chance to prove himself against top competition, and he’s embracing the moment. “Everybody talks about the long season in the NFL, but sign me up. I want to play as many games as possible,” he said.

From Duke to Notre Dame to the NFL? Riley Leonard’s winding road to the draft

His college career has been anything but smooth. Leonard started at Duke, enduring a 3-9 freshman season before leading a turnaround to 9-4. Then came injuries, surgeries, and a midseason transfer to Notre Dame. “I had to do a lot of adapting,” he reflected. “I’ve been through a lot and overcame all of that.”

Scouts see potential. At 6’3″, 210 pounds, Leonard has the mobility to extend plays and a strong enough arm to push the ball downfield. But there are concerns-his footwork can be inconsistent, and his decision-making under pressure needs work. That’s why he’s projected as a mid-round pick, likely between the fourth and fifth rounds.