The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football literally thrashed the Navy Midshipmen on Saturday, October 26. 51-14! If you are a Fighting Irish fan and are already planning to throw a bash, hold on a bit more. There is something more to be happy about. Your star QB has won the love battle. Oh come on, it’s not about sophomore RB Jeremiyah Love we are talking about. But QB Riley Leonard has taken his love life, in the literal sense, a step ahead with girlfriend Molly Walding. Here’s a hint for the die-hard female fans of Riley, time for you to find a new crush! 

Marcus Freeman’s No.12 Fighting Irish got off to a good start against Brian Newberry’s Midshipmen. Thanks to Notre Dame’s star of the evening, Leonard. Basically, the credit goes to his legs! The QB capped off a 9-play, 75-yard opening drive. However, as easy as it might sound, the 1-yard touchdown run came with only 4 minutes and 32 seconds left on the clock. Seems like Leonard beyond the gridiron has taken a long leap in his love life as well. It’s high time for the QB fans to add girlfriend Walding to their following list. A day after making HC Freeman and his program proud, Leonard went down on his knees. And girlfriend Walding could not wait any longer to share the snap from the big day as the caption read, “😭😭😭 😭 HAPPIEST DAY! EVER!!!!!”

After all, it was time for her to upgrade from being Leonard’s girlfriend to being Leonard’s fiancée. The IG story showed the newly engaged couple posing in a love-dovey embrace with the QB’s arms lovingly wrapped around his ladylove’s waist as Walding couldn’t stop grinning while proudly showing her new accessory, the ENGAGEMENT RING, FR!

How she must be feeling? Leonard’s sweetheart shared in her next IG story, “Can’t!!! Stop!!!! Smiling!!!!!!!” Okay, we know you are equally thrilled with the big update. But deep there looms a concerning question about Leonard’s rise, right? Here are some stats that might ward off your worries.  

Marcus Freeman’s gamble on Riley Leonard pays off 

Well, Leonard got bombed by the big role out of the blue. Just two weeks before the 2024 kickoff, Notre Dame landed him as its starting QB. Being away from the gridiron because of an ankle injury that required tightrope surgery it was indeed brave for Freeman to count on the Duke transfer. Now it’s safe to say that thank god the HC had taken the risk! 

Against Midshipmen, the QB ran for the 11th rushing touchdown of the season. His longest run of the evening went for 24 yards and he completed 13-of-21 passes for 178 yards topping with two touchdowns against Navy. And what conclusion can one draw from Leonard’s feat on Saturday? Well, clearly the Notre Dame QB is coming off with an improved pocket awareness when it comes to extending drives with his legs. Was it enough to woo the HC?

Definitely! Marcus Freeman is happy with how his QB has performed, “There is a trust between the quarterback and wideouts that is continuing to grow. And Riley is throwing the ball with confidence.” Looks like Riley Leonard is scoring touchdowns on and off the field!