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.

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."

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws oranges to his teammates after winning the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Penn State, Thursday in Miami Gardens, Fla. Leonard grew up in Fairhope. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) AP

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard’s girlfriend, Molly Walding was on cloud nine after the Fighting Irish beat Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl Thursday to punch their ticket to the

Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard isn’t really anyone’s image of a quintessential dual-threat quarterback. The senior stands 6’4″, 216 pounds and can absolutely sling the ball from the pocket.

When Ohio State battles Notre Dame in the National Championship, they will be going up against a quarterback they were interested in making a Buckeye. After Fighting Irish QB Riley Leonard entered the transfer portal from Duke,