The Clash of Quarterbacks: Will Ohio State or Notre Dame Dominate the National Title?
It all boils down to this. While numerous factors will play a role in determining the winner of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, stellar quarterback play will undoubtedly be at the forefront. For Ohio State, the responsibility falls on Kansas State transfer Will Howard. For Notre Dame, it’s Duke transfer Riley Leonard who must rise to the occasion. Which signal-caller will lead their team to victory?
Earlier in the playoffs, Drew Allar was hailed as the best quarterback remaining, with Leonard ranking at the bottom, and Howard and Quinn Ewers somewhere in between. However, with Allar and Ewers now out of the picture, the stage is set for Howard and Leonard to battle it out. Interestingly, both quarterbacks share similar playing styles, blending solid passing skills with mobility in the run game.
Will Howard: Ohio State’s Ace in the Hole
Howard has been a revelation in the postseason for Ohio State. Despite an inconsistent regular season, he’s found his rhythm when it matters most, leading the Buckeyes past Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas in a remarkable playoff run. His strong arm, accuracy, and composure under pressure have been key factors in Ohio State’s success.
What sets Howard apart is the arsenal of weapons at his disposal. With an explosive receiving corps that includes stars like Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka, Howard doesn’t have to shoulder the entire offensive load. This allows him to play with more freedom, knowing he can rely on his teammates to make big plays.
Riley Leonard: Notre Dame’s Underdog Hero
On the other side is Riley Leonard, who has embraced the underdog role with grit and determination. While Leonard may lack Howard’s polished accuracy, he brings an undeniable toughness and a knack for making plays when it counts. For Notre Dame to pull off an upset, Leonard will need to play the game of his life.
Unlike Howard, Leonard doesn’t have the luxury of an elite supporting cast. Notre Dame’s receiving corps pales in comparison to Ohio State’s, meaning Leonard must create opportunities and carry the offense on his shoulders. In a game of this magnitude, that’s a tall order.
Who Has the Edge?
While both quarterbacks share a dual-threat style of play, Howard has the clear advantage. His ability to spread the ball with precision, coupled with the explosive talent surrounding him, tilts the scales in Ohio State’s favor. Leonard, by contrast, will need to execute flawlessly to keep Notre Dame in the game.
Ultimately, the difference may come down to how each quarterback handles high-pressure moments. Howard can afford to make a mistake or two, knowing his team has the talent to recover. Leonard, on the other hand, must be near perfect, delivering big plays consistently to give the Fighting Irish a chance.
The Final Verdict
While the margin between the two quarterbacks is slim, Howard’s recent performances and his team’s superior offensive firepower give him the edge. Little details matter in a championship setting, and Howard’s accuracy and composure make him better equipped to lead Ohio State to victory.
For Leonard and Notre Dame, the task is monumental, but the beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability. If Leonard can defy expectations and deliver a career-defining performance, the underdog Fighting Irish could shock the world.
As the national title game looms, all eyes will be on these two quarterbacks. Will Howard cement his legacy with a championship, or will Leonard rewrite the narrative as the ultimate underdog? The answer awaits in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
