Ohio State’s Will Howard, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard Maintained Perspective Following Stunning Defeats
In the high-pressure world of college football, where each game can make or break a season, two quarterbacks—Will Howard of Ohio State and Riley Leonard of Notre Dame—found themselves at the center of their teams’ most recent losses. Both had been key players in their teams’ success to that point, and each had shown flashes of brilliance. However, when their squads suffered shocking defeats—Ohio State falling to a bitter rival and Notre Dame losing a hard-fought battle against an underrated opponent—both quarterbacks were thrust into the spotlight, not just for their on-field performances, but for how they managed the aftermath of these unexpected losses. In a sport known for its emotionally charged atmosphere, Howard and Leonard handled the fallout with grace and perspective, showing maturity beyond their years.
Ohio State’s Stunning Loss and Will Howard’s Leadership
Ohio State’s football program is no stranger to pressure, expectations, and high stakes. The Buckeyes have been perennial contenders in the College Football Playoff (CFP) race, and the rivalry games against Michigan, Penn State, and others always carry significant weight. But in a season where many considered Ohio State a favorite to make the playoff once again, Will Howard, the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback, entered the team’s most recent contest with a chance to prove himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
That opportunity, however, was derailed in a stunning 27-24 loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes’ archrivals and perennial powerhouses in the Big Ten. With the game tied and just minutes left on the clock, Ohio State’s offense sputtered, failing to convert on a crucial third down. The defense, which had been stout for much of the game, couldn’t stop Michigan’s final drive, and the Wolverines pulled off a game-winning field goal as time expired.
For Howard, it was a crushing defeat. The loss dropped Ohio State’s record to 10-1, and although the Buckeyes still had a shot at the Big Ten Championship and a potential spot in the CFP, the sting of the loss to Michigan lingered for everyone in the locker room. As the team’s leader, Howard had to shoulder some of the blame, even though he had played admirably throughout the game. The loss was seen as a failure of the entire team, not just the offense or the defense, but Howard was the one who had to speak to the media and rally his teammates in the aftermath.
In the press conference following the loss, Howard addressed the media with a level of poise that impressed both coaches and reporters alike. While many athletes would have been quick to make excuses or place blame on others, Howard remained steadfast in his belief that the game was a team effort, both in victory and in defeat.
“We didn’t execute when it mattered,” Howard said, keeping his tone calm and collected. “That falls on all of us. There are plays I wish I could have back, but that’s the nature of this game. We’re going to learn from this and keep fighting. We’ve got more football to play, and this season isn’t over.”
It was this type of leadership that had earned Howard the starting job in the first place. While his performance had been impressive all season long, it was his maturity and resilience that had made him a standout. Howard’s ability to take responsibility for the loss without pointing fingers or losing his composure was a testament to his growth as a leader.
Behind the scenes, Howard took the loss in stride. He remained focused on the bigger picture, acknowledging that one defeat—no matter how devastating—did not define the season or the team. His words resonated with his teammates, and many of them rallied behind him, refusing to let the loss become an anchor that weighed down their season. Howard’s perspective was clear: the Buckeyes still had goals to accomplish, and they would need to regroup quickly if they were going to achieve them.
Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard: A Different Kind of Loss
Meanwhile, in South Bend, Notre Dame’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, was facing a different kind of loss—a gut-wrenching defeat to a team many had considered an underdog. The Irish had been riding high, buoyed by a powerful offense and a defense that had been consistently stout all season. However, in a late-season clash against a formidable but unranked opponent, Notre Dame was stunned in a 34-28 defeat. The Irish had been favored to win, and Leonard had been playing some of his best football of the season, but mistakes at critical moments—both from him and his teammates—sealed the loss.
For Leonard, the defeat was a humbling experience. He had been one of the nation’s breakout quarterbacks, drawing comparisons to some of the top stars in college football. However, in the loss, Leonard had to take responsibility for his own miscues. He threw two interceptions, one of which came in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. Yet, rather than letting the defeat define him, Leonard handled the situation with a remarkable level of maturity.
“I’ve got to be better,” Leonard said in the postgame press conference. “There are things I can control, and there are things I can’t. We didn’t get it done today, but this isn’t the end of our journey. We’re going to keep fighting and work to get better every day.”
Much like Howard, Leonard refused to let the loss spiral into a larger narrative about his ability or his leadership. Instead of sulking or shying away from responsibility, he took ownership of his mistakes while also deflecting any notion that the defeat reflected the team’s overall potential. Leonard’s perspective was simple: mistakes happen, and losses are part of the game, but they didn’t define who he or his team were.
While Howard’s loss to Michigan was more of a hard-fought battle that slipped away in the final moments, Leonard’s loss to an underdog opponent had a different feel—one of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. However, Leonard showed that he understood the importance of moving on quickly and maintaining a strong mindset.
The Importance of Maintaining Perspective
In college football, emotions run high, and the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. Players like Howard and Leonard are often expected to carry the weight of their teams’ hopes and dreams, and in the aftermath of a tough loss, it can be easy for them to get lost in the noise or let the defeat affect their long-term outlook. But what set both quarterbacks apart following their respective defeats was their ability to maintain perspective.
Both Howard and Leonard understood that one game—one loss—did not define their careers or their teams’ seasons. They knew that college football is a long, grueling journey and that, even with the best preparation, setbacks are inevitable. How they responded to those setbacks, however, would play a pivotal role in shaping not only their own careers but also their teams’ ability to bounce back.
For Howard, his approach to leadership became even more critical in the wake of the Michigan loss. As the Buckeyes prepared for their next game, Howard made it a point to emphasize to his teammates that they were still in control of their own destiny. The Big Ten Championship was still within reach, and the playoff picture was still wide open. His ability to rally his teammates and keep their focus on the next task helped set the tone for the rest of the season.
Similarly, Leonard’s leadership was crucial for Notre Dame’s ability to respond to their surprising defeat. The Irish had bigger goals, including a potential New Year’s Six bowl game, and Leonard’s calm and collected nature helped his teammates process the loss and look ahead to the next challenge. Leonard made sure to keep the mood in the locker room positive and focused on improvement rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of the game.
Both quarterbacks also found solace in the support of their coaching staffs. Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, praised Howard’s resilience in the aftermath of the Michigan loss, noting that his quarterback’s leadership was vital in helping the team refocus. Notre Dame’s coach, Marcus Freeman, echoed similar sentiments, lauding Leonard’s maturity and the way he handled the pressure following the defeat.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Howard and Leonard
For both Will Howard and Riley Leonard, the road ahead is filled with opportunities for redemption. Ohio State’s loss to Michigan was painful, but the Buckeyes still have a chance to claim the Big Ten title and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. Leonard and Notre Dame, on the other hand, will need to regroup and finish the season strong in order to secure a prominent bowl game.
The key for both players is to stay grounded and focused on the bigger picture. Their ability to maintain perspective—despite the emotional rollercoaster of a football season—will be crucial in determining how they finish the year.
In the world of college football, wins and losses are inevitable, but it’s how players like Howard and Leonard handle adversity that often defines their legacy. Both quarterbacks have shown that they are more than just talented players—they are resilient leaders who can help their teams stay focused in the face of disappointment. Their ability to maintain perspective following stunning defeats will no doubt serve them well as they continue their journeys, both on and off the field.
This article reflects on how Ohio State’s Will Howard and Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard maintained their perspective and leadership following tough losses, emphasizing their maturity and ability to handle adversity in a challenging environment. The analysis touches on their responses, their leadership qualities, and how they helped guide their respective teams forward.
