Riley Leonard, quarterback for the Duke Blue Devils, was understandably emotional following the crushing defeat in the College Football Playoff (CFP) Championship game against Ohio State.

Despite his best efforts, Duke was unable to overcome a dominant performance by Ohio State, and Leonard’s postgame comments revealed the weight of the loss and the emotional toll it had taken on him and his teammates.

In his honest admission, Leonard acknowledged that while the team had worked tirelessly throughout the season, the result of the championship game was a difficult pill to swallow.

“It’s hard to put into words right now, but we gave it everything we had,” Leonard said, his voice thick with emotion. “We came here with high hopes, believing we could win, but Ohio State played a heck of a game, and we fell short.”

Leonard had been a standout throughout the season, leading his team to the championship game with impressive performances and strong leadership.

However, despite his individual efforts, the Blue Devils couldn’t seem to find their rhythm against the Buckeyes. Ohio State’s defense, led by their fierce front seven, kept Leonard under pressure for much of the game.

Although Leonard showed flashes of brilliance, he was often forced to make hurried throws or scramble out of the pocket, limiting Duke’s offensive effectiveness.

“We knew Ohio State was a tough team, but sometimes you don’t fully realize the challenge until you’re out there on the field,” Leonard explained. “They just didn’t give us any space to breathe.

Every time we thought we had a chance to move the ball, they shut us down.” The Ohio State defense, which had been one of the most formidable in college football all season, seemed to have an answer for every strategy Leonard and his offense threw at them.

While Leonard took responsibility for not being able to lead his team to victory, he also made sure to highlight the collective effort of his teammates. “This isn’t on any one person,” he said. “We win and lose as a team.

I may be the quarterback, but everyone out there fought hard, and we’re all hurting right now.” Leonard’s words reflected the deep sense of unity within the Duke program.

The team had come a long way under head coach Mike Elko’s leadership, and while the loss was devastating, there was a sense of pride in how far they had come.

In the days following the game, Leonard was seen as a beacon of resilience. He worked to lift his teammates’ spirits, reminding them that one loss did not define their legacy. “This doesn’t take away from the great season we had. We fought hard all year long,” Leonard remarked. “We’ll use this as fuel to get better. It’s a setback, but not the end of our journey.”

For Leonard, this loss was a tough lesson in the ups and downs of football, but it also solidified his determination to keep pushing forward.

As he reflected on the season, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in the biggest game of his life. Despite the outcome, Riley Leonard proved to be a leader both on and off the field, showing that true character often shines brightest in the face of adversity.