Top 3 Notre Dame offensive players to watch out for in 2025 Orange Bowl ft. Riley Leonard

For the first time in years, the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish look like serious contenders for the national title. To move to within one win of the championship, they will need to defeat the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9.

Notre Dame’s biggest strength seems to be on the defensive side of the ball, but their attack has answered the call when needed. With a tough ground game and mistake-proof football, the Irish have controlled the flow of the game in wins over Indiana and Georgia.

Penn State has been able to take early leads and create turnovers against SMU and Boise State. Establishing the running game and avoiding mistakes on offense could determine if Notre Dame makes it into the title game.

Top 3 Notre Dame offensive players in the Orange Bowl

The Irish offense doesn’t rely on explosive plays as much as other teams. Coach Marcus Freeman prefers a balanced attack that can control the clock and wear out the opponent’s defense. These are three players who could hold the keys to the Notre Dame attack.

Jeremiyah Love might not be available for the Orange Bowl. - Source: Imagn

#3. Jeremiyah Love, Running Back

The only reason Jeremiyah Love isn’t listed at No.1 is that he is questionable for the Orange Bowl after injuring his knee in the third quarter against Georgia. The sophomore running back is the most explosive player for the Blue and Gold as showcased by his 98-yard touchdown run against Indiana

Love is not a high-volume ball carrier, but he leads the Irish with 1,076 rushing yards and a 7.3-yards per-carry average. If Love can not go, expect an increased work rate for Jadarian Price and Aneyas Williams.

Notre Dame relies on its running attack to control the tempo of the game. Doing it against the Penn State defense will be a challenge.

#2. Jordan Faison, Wide Receiver

Known for also winning the lacrosse national championship for the Irish, Jordan Faison has become a key part of the offense in the postseason. Faison is only third on the team in catches this season, but he’s caught 11 passes for 134 yards in the College Football Playoff.

The sophomore knows how to find soft spots in the coverage and take advantage of them. He’s made 27 receptions for 325 yards and a touchdown but is coming on at the right time for the Fighting Irish.

#1. Riley Leonard, Quarterback

Riley Leonard hasn’t been a spectacular passer at Notre Dame, but he’s been an effective dual-threat quarterback. The former Duke quarterback was showcased more as a passer for the Blue Devils, but he’s been an efficient passer and a physical runner in South Bend.

The senior led the team with 80 rushing yards against Georgia, including a key third down conversion in which he leaped over a defender. A round earlier, Leonard went 23-for-32 for 201 yards, a touchdown and a tipped interception versus Indiana.

The Nittany Lions defense has gotten three interceptions against both SMU’s Kevin Jennings and Boise State’s Maddux Madsen. Leonard is a more experienced quarterback and should take better care of the football.