Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard points out his favorite Bible verse after scoring the opening TD in the national title game

He Notre Dame fighting the Irish They will have to work hard to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes and win their first national championship since 1988.

Notre Dame quarterback riley leonard He is determined to do it.

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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard celebrates after a touchdown against Ohio State during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Leonard led the Fighting Irish on an 18-play, 75-yard drive that ate up the first 9:45 of the game. It ended with a Leonard rushing touchdown from 1 yard out.

After Leonard scored, he pointed to his bracelet, which read “Matthew 23:12”, a Bible verse that says, “He who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Leonard previously expressed that Matthew 23:12 was one of his favorite Bible quotes.

NOTRE DAME, OHIO STATE, MEET AT NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP WITH FAITH AT THE FOREFRONT

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates with tight end Kevin Bauman after scoring a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

“I feel like a lot of people want to put me on this pedestal and that my faith really leads me to that every time,” he said earlier in the season, via sports spectrum. “So through the ups and downs, I can offer you perspective.

“I’ve seen what it’s like to be praised and to be at the top of the top. People put me on draft boards… and I’ve been at the lowest point where I get injured and I don’t know what I can do.” What I’m going to do with my career, but my faith has always brought me back to that humble position as if you were nobody. It doesn’t matter if you are at the highest or lowest, God goes. treat you the same.”

Notre Dame was 2 of 2 on fourth down during the drive.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard passes against Ohio State during the first half. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

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The Fighting Irish led the game early, 7-0.

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