Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard has been outspoken about his faith and belief in God throughout his collegiate career.

On Wednesday, Leonard told reporters before the national championship game against Ohio State that he believes the open belief players have in each team is why they compete for college football’s top prize.

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“I really think things happen for a reason. Not just us, but also Ohio State. I think we’re the two main teams that just publicly show our faith the most,” he said, via Sports Michiana. “I don’t know if this is some divine teaching, you know, that put us here.

“I really think Jesus was looking over both of our shoulders throughout the season and put these two teams on a pedestal for a reason.”

Leonard has been open about his faith, especially in the College Football Playoff.

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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, #13, throws oranges to his teammates after winning the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Penn State on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

He was asked what changed in the second half of their win over Penn State in the semifinals.

“Shoot, I just started trusting the Lord. I looked up and said, ‘Jesus, whatever your will is for my life, I trust it 100%.’ This offense and this team trust Jesus and His plan for this season,” he said, via The Deseret .

He also thanked God after the Fighting Irish’s win over Georgia.

“First of all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, I wouldn’t be here and we wouldn’t be here as a whole group,” he said.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, #13, celebrates after a quarterfinal game against Georgia in a College Football Playoff Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Notre Dame plays Ohio State for the title Monday night.