ATLANTA — In a memorable night last June, Will Howard and Riley Leonard shared meaningful discussions about their families, beliefs, and future aspirations. “It was a genuine conversation,” Leonard reflected on their connection during an interview on Saturday.
Howard and Leonard initially crossed paths two summers ago at the Manning Passing Academy, yet it wasn’t until they were assigned as roommates at a prominent quarterback camp in Thibodaux, Louisiana, seven months ago that they truly connected. Leonard acknowledged their journey, noting, “We were both kind of underdogs when we met… a lot of people counted us out. So to be where we are now, it kind of turns that conversation into something really cool.”
Now, they find themselves in Atlanta, gearing up for the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night—Howard representing Ohio State and Leonard representing Notre Dame.
Friendship often flourishes through shared experiences, and Howard and Leonard have encountered their fair share. They have navigated injuries and transferred from less celebrated teams to prestigious schools, adjusting to the fierce competition of college football. Neither player has been dubbed a superstar, yet both have brought considerable experience to their squads. Howard guided Kansas State to victory in the 2022 Big 12 championship, though he didn’t gain much recognition beyond a second-team all-conference title in 2023. Ohio State’s offensive lineman Donovan Jackson noted, “I didn’t know too much about Will… but once I watched him, I knew we were going to be all right.”
As for Leonard, he was on an upward trajectory at Duke in 2022, steering the Blue Devils to nine wins and joining elite company as one of the few quarterbacks to amass over 2,900 passing yards and 695 rushing yards that season. The 2023 campaign began promisingly for him with a standout victory against Clemson; however, it took a downturn when an ankle injury against Notre Dame sidelined him, ultimately leading to an early season end after a toe injury against Louisville.
Both quarterbacks expressed that their transfers were motivated by personal growth and the chance to compete for a national title. While the more lucrative name, image, and likeness opportunities at institutions like Ohio State and Notre Dame were appealing, they both emphasized that financial incentives were not their primary focus.
Since his arrival, Howard has been Ohio State’s starting quarterback, enduring a narrow defeat to Oregon and a significant loss to Michigan. The Buckeyes’ offense has showcased improvements during the playoff, especially during their initial three games, where Howard completed an impressive 73.8% of his passes, accumulating 919 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions, despite a setback in the semifinal against Texas. Howard reflected, acknowledging the challenges he has faced and the transformation throughout his career, saying, “You’ve got to continue to believe in yourself… dealing with change, coping with adversity, and celebrating success are all part of it.”
On the other hand, Leonard has propelled the Irish through a demanding playoff journey, contributing to a 13-game winning streak. He has successfully completed 67% of his passes, totaling 514 yards with three touchdowns, and he has also exhibited his running abilities with 43 carries for 145 yards and two touchdowns. One notable moment was his dramatic leap over a Georgia defender for a crucial first down. “He wants the ball in his hands during pivotal moments, and he tends to make plays,” stated Irish coach Marcus Freeman.
As Howard and Leonard prepare to face off against one another in a crucial match following months of camaraderie as roommates, there is a sense of pride in their journeys. Leonard expressed his admiration, stating, “To see where we are now, it’s really cool because he’s a person I respect a lot. I always try to root for other quarterbacks in college, especially after meeting them because we realize we’re all just kids striving to represent our teams and schools the best we can.”
