We’re all excited about the ultimate CFP National Championship showdown between Ohio State vs Notre Dame. But a wild revelation from a 2x Super Bowl QB makes us take a double turn to the history of their respective starting QBs Riley Leonard and Will Howard. The fact that both these national championship QBs are transfers in their final eligibility makes the plot even more remarkable. 

Riley Leonard and Will Howard were roommates! Notre Dame Fighting Irish posted a YouTube video of the Notre Dame QB during his post-practice press conference on January 16. In his speech, Riley Leonard dug out his past as Will Howard’s roommate, calling him a “good roommate” and a “clean guy.” The Irish QB said, “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 kind of thing.” He reminisced, “It’s really cool to have those late-night 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.”

How did this revelation come about? We have both Archie Manning and Eli Manning to credit. The former New York Giants QB shared a text message that his father sent him which read – “FYI — Riley Leonard and Will Howard were roommates at Manning Passing Academy last summer!” 

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Only the best CFB QBs make it to the Manning Passing Academy held in Thibodaux, La. Both Leonard’s and Howard’s presence at this prestigious football camp is no surprise. 

A big significance for the 2025 national championship QBs is that they both transferred before this past season. In his final collegiate season, Leonard led the independent Irish against all odds with a 14-1 record. They defeated Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State in the 12-team playoff to advance to their first Natty appearance in 2012. 

Howard had been a force himself, leading the Buckeyes to a National Championship game since 2020 with a 13-2 record. Their final performance and outcome might determine the fate of HC Ryan Day who’s under a lot of pressure to win a championship game. But which QB has the better odds for the ultimate win?

A look at Riley Leonard and Will Howard’s performance 

It was a breakout season for Riley Leonard who compiled a total season record of 2,606 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also added 866 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. The 22-year-old’s playoff stats could’ve been better with 514 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions + 145 rushing yards and two TDs in the three postseason games but the potential is there. 

Will Howard, on the other hand, is looking strong after sustaining an injury in his non-throwing hand in the last game against Texas. He excels above Leonard in terms of stats recording 919 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions in the playoffs. This season, he’s recorded a total of 3,779 yards and 33 touchdowns in addition to 169 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. 

As of now, Ohio State is an 8.5-point favorite over Notre Dame to win the National Championship title. But we never know if an upset is on the cards.