Notre Dame
Notre Dame Secures Spot in Historic College Football Playoff National Championship with Thrilling 27-24 Comeback Against Penn State
In a dramatic showdown at the Orange Bowl, the Fighting Irish edged past Penn State with a game-winning 41-yard field goal by kicker Mitch Jeter, sealing a 27-24 victory on Thursday.
The nail-biting contest saw Notre Dame rally from behind, thanks in large part to quarterback Riley Leonard, who returned from an injury to lead his team in a gutsy performance. The win propels Notre Dame into the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship of the expanded format era, marking a historic moment for the program.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman praised Riley Leonard’s resilience in a postgame interview on ESPN, saying, ‘He’s a true competitor, and competitors always find a way to win. It’s been an absolute honor to be on this journey with him.’
The Penn State Nittany Lions and Notre Dame Fighting Irish clashed at the line of scrimmage during their College Football Playoff Semifinal matchup at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 9, 2025, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Riley Leonard exited the game in the second quarter, bringing in backup quarterback Steve Angeli with Notre Dame trailing 10-0. Angeli managed to spark some momentum, orchestrating a field goal drive to put the Irish on the board, heading into halftime down 10-3.
Leonard returned in the second half and wasted no time, leading a crucial touchdown drive to even the score. From there, the game turned into a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading blows in a fiercely competitive second half.
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates a tackle on Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
With two minutes left, Riley Leonard had an opportunity to orchestrate a go-ahead drive, but Penn State’s defense delivered a clutch third-down sack, forcing a Notre Dame punt.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar then took the field with a chance to cement his legacy—and perhaps boost his NFL Draft stock—by leading a game-winning drive. Instead, in the biggest moment of his career, Allar threw a costly interception, handing the ball back to Leonard and the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates a touch down with teammates in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Riley Leonard returned to the field and orchestrated the decisive drive, setting up Mitch Jeter for the game-winning kick.
‘I just trusted in Jesus,’ Leonard shared during a postgame interview with ESPN.
Notre Dame’s magical postseason journey rolls on after their emotional Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia, a game played just a day after a tragic terrorist attack claimed the lives of 14 innocent people in New Orleans.
The Fighting Irish now await their opponent for the National Championship, set to face the winner of Friday’s Cotton Bowl clash between Ohio State and Texas.
Notre Dame’s Historic Victory and Financial Windfall
In the past five hours, Notre Dame’s football program has garnered significant attention following their thrilling 27-24 victory over Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinal. This win propels the Fighting Irish into the national championship game, marking a historic achievement for head coach Marcus Freeman, who becomes the first Black coach to lead a team to a Division I national title game.
The victory also brings a substantial financial benefit to Notre Dame. Due to their independent status in football, the university will receive a $20 million payout for advancing to the championship, funds they are not required to share with any conference. This independence has been a topic of debate but offers Notre Dame flexibility in scheduling and financial advantages in situations like this.
Looking ahead, the Fighting Irish are set to face the winner of the Cotton Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Texas in the national championship game. This upcoming game presents an opportunity for Notre Dame to secure their first national title since 1988, adding to the excitement surrounding the program.
Additionally, head coach Marcus Freeman’s leadership has been widely praised. Since taking over the program, Freeman has achieved significant victories, including 13 wins over top-25 opponents, and has recently secured a contract extension through 2030, reflecting the university’s confidence in his direction for the team.
Overall, the recent developments highlight a period of success and optimism for Notre Dame football, with both immediate achievements and promising prospects on the horizon.