It’s crunch time as Ohio State and Notre Dame gear up for the College Football Playoff finals. QB stars Riley Leonard and Will Howard, both transfers, in their final year, are ready to clash. Picture a meeting of Oppenheimer and football—a combination of explosive decision-making, high stakes, and zero margin for error. While the battle on the field will be fierce, Leonard’s NIL edge over Howard has already added some heat. Get ready for an epic finale because this showdown has all the ingredients for a memorable clash!
On3’s latest NIL valuations make one thing crystal clear: both the Irish and the Buckeyes have struck gold with their star quarterbacks. Riley Leonard currently commands a valuation of $1.5 million, just edging out Will Howard’s $1 million. These two players, products of the transfer portal, have proven their worth on the gridiron. Leonard made a strong start at Duke before finding his place at Notre Dame, while Howard dominated at Kansas State before taking charge at Ohio State.
NEW: Riley Leonard and Will Howard landed million-dollar NIL collective deals out of the Transfer Portal, @PeteNakos_ reports💰
Notre Dame & Ohio State's investments have paid off🏆
Story: https://t.co/MVu6LgTnAx pic.twitter.com/oTibGygQw7
— On3 (@On3sports) January 16, 2025
Well, let’s talk about their remarkable season. Leonard’s season turned heads. He threw for 2,606 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also adding 866 rushing yards and 16 scores on the ground. However, his playoff numbers leave room for improvement—514 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions, and 145 rushing yards in three games. Despite a few setbacks, Leonard’s talent and potential shine through.
On the other hand, Howard continues to excel, even after injuring his non-throwing hand in the Texas game. His playoff stats are impressive—919 passing yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Overall, he has accumulated 3,779 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, 169 rushing yards, and seven rushing TDs this season.
However, this match is more than just statistics; Leonard and Howard’s unique bond elevates their upcoming clash to a climactic showdown.
Riley Leonard & Will Howard’s past connection
Talk about fate! Riley Leonard and Will Howard, former roommates at the Manning Passing Academy, are now set to face each other in the CFB playoffs finals. During a press conference on January 16, Leonard shared their time together, describing Howard as a “good roommate” and a “clean guy.”
Leonard added, “At the time, we weren’t really the big names at the camp. We were just two dudes hustling, trying to compete and make a name for ourselves.” He concluded by saying, “It’s really cool to have those conversations with him about life and whatever. To see where we are now, it’s really cool cause he’s a person I respect a lot.” These words now carry even more weight, considering how far both players have come since their early days at the camp.
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