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.

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.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard struck first Monday night to lead the Irish to a 7-0 lead against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship game. Leonard, the Fairhope, Ala., native, carried the ball nine times for for 34 yards, ending with a 1-yard run with 9:45 left in the half.