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.

Notre Dame's Riley Leonard leaving a legacy on hometown Fairhope The former Fairhope quarter had led the Fighting Irish to the CFP National Title game -- and he's kept his hometown close to his heart throughout.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have struck first in the national championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. It’s all thanks to Irish quarterback Riley Leonard, who capped off a 18-play, 75-yard scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Leonard had 9 carries for 34 yards on the drive, which chewed 9:45 off of the clock.

In leading the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on an 18-play, 75-yard drive capped with a one-yard touchdown dive, quarterback Riley Leonard promptly ran to his sideline and threw up, per ESPN sideline broadcaster Molly McGrath.

Jan 18, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) talks to the media during 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Center, Building A. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

As Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard made his media rounds prior to Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Ohio State, he recalled some of his favorite moments at Duke — not on the gridiron,