Both quarterbacks knew their final season of college football could still be a special one even after their teams endured difficult setbacks.

He’s been somebody who’s led by example,” the Irish QB said of his grandfather. “A lot of the lessons I’ve learned have come from him."

Nevertheless, Leonard didn’t have to think very long about where he wanted to go. He’d grown up a fan of Notre Dame — his great-grandfather, James Curran, played for the Fighting Irish in the 1940s — and committed in mid-December.

The one common denominator between the Irish teams that lost to Ohio State in the past two seasons was quarterback play. It wasn't Leonard then. but it's Leonard now.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes are getting prepared for the biggest game of their season on Monday night in the national championship down in Atlanta. For just about every player on the field, it will be the biggest game of their young careers.

On this Friday Buckeye Talk, Stephen Means, Stefan Krajisnik and Andrew Gillis are breaking down the matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This one is Ohio State’s defense vs.

As the College Football Playoff National Championship between Notre Dame and Ohio State looms, a stunning revelation has surfaced: rival quarterbacks Riley Leonard and Will Howard were once roommates at the prestigious Manning Passing Academy.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard has revealed his thoughts on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback ahead of the National Championship Game.