By Adrian Beecher
ATLANTA, GA – As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gear up for the National Championship game on Monday, their approach is deeply rooted in humility and faith. With head coach Marcus Freeman at the helm, this team has embraced a culture that prioritizes character and unity, allowing their belief in something bigger than themselves to guide them to the pinnacle of college football.
Freeman has fostered an environment where faith isn’t just personal—it’s integral to the program. “Faith is something that we talk about amongst our football program. We have mass. We have our team chaplain. It is promoted, and our players have Bible study and different things like that,” Freeman said. This shared commitment to spiritual growth has created a team that is both grounded and resilient in the face of adversity.
One player who embodies this mindset is senior defensive lineman Howard Cross III. At just six feet tall, Cross has heard throughout his career that he’s too small to succeed as a defensive tackle. Yet, his play on the field continues to defy expectations. “A lot of schools said they are not going to take a chance on me because of my size,” Cross reflected. “If you’re my size and playing in my position, and you’re small, keep pushing. The way you play is going to outshine the size you are. I promise you that.” His journey is a testament to perseverance and the value of seizing opportunities when others might doubt you.
Quarterback Riley Leonard, who transferred to Notre Dame after a stint at Duke, has also leaned on faith during his time with the Irish. After battling through injuries and adjusting to a new team, Leonard has become a leader on and off the field. “These guys just welcomed me with open arms,” Leonard said. “It wasn’t really me trusting them because it’s hard to have a big-time transfer quarterback come in and trust him. But they believed in me, and I’m very grateful for them.”
Leonard has found a spiritual home at Notre Dame, where faith and football intersect in meaningful ways. Reflecting on moments this season, Leonard shared how important it is to trust in God’s plan. “For both of these teams to publicly display their faith throughout the season and their trust in God and Jesus to be on a platform that we are now, I think it’s for a reason,” Leonard said. “I think both sides have a very clear understanding that we’re not here because of ourselves and Jesus put us in this situation for a reason, so we’d better thank him.”
Freeman, known for his calm yet confident leadership, has ensured the Irish remain focused amid the noise surrounding the championship game. “Listen, I’ve got a job to do to make sure this group is ready. You cheer for us or you don’t. It is what it is; no hard feelings. But my focus is on making sure this team is ready to perform on Monday,” Freeman emphasized. His humility resonates throughout the team, as he empowers players to take ownership of their journey and decisions.
Leonard, echoing the humility of his coach, praised Freeman’s approach. “He’s very humble. So if there’s a decision that doesn’t need to be made, he’s not going to make it just to insert himself as the leader of this organization,” Leonard said. This shared mentality has helped Notre Dame remain grounded and unified as they prepare for the most important game of their season.
With Monday’s championship game fast approaching, the Fighting Irish are leaning on what has brought them this far: humility, faith, and a commitment to each other. Their journey to this moment has already proven their strength as a team and as individuals. For Freeman, Cross, Leonard, and the rest of the Irish, this game isn’t just about football—it’s about staying true to their values, win or lose.
Notre Dame’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about titles or accolades—it’s about character, perseverance, and faith in the face of challenges. No matter the outcome on Monday, the Irish have already solidified their legacy as a team built on a foundation that transcends the game itself.
