The 2024 College Football National Championship game, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, featured a compelling matchup between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes. This highly anticipated game marked the culmination of the first expanded College Football Playoff, a tournament neither team was initially projected to win. Both the Fighting Irish and the Buckeyes battled fiercely throughout the season, overcoming obstacles and defying predictions to earn their place in the championship game. Beyond the strategic plays and physical prowess displayed on the field, a unifying theme emerged from both teams: a shared devotion to their Christian faith. Several key players, including quarterbacks Riley Leonard (Notre Dame) and Will Howard (Ohio State), running back TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State), openly expressed their belief in God and credited their faith as a source of strength and guidance throughout their journey to the championship.
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame’s quarterback, articulated the significance of faith for both teams, suggesting a divine purpose behind their meeting in the final game. He emphasized the public display of faith by both teams, portraying it as a testament to their shared belief. Leonard saw the teams’ success as evidence of divine intervention, suggesting a higher power orchestrated their paths to the championship. Will Howard, Ohio State’s quarterback, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious stage. His statement, made after Ohio State’s upset victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl, highlighted the profound impact of faith on his personal experience.
Emeka Egbuka, a graduate student and wide receiver for Ohio State, offered a deeper insight into the role of faith within the team dynamic. He described a “revival” of faith among numerous players, sparked by shared prayer and a renewed connection to Christianity. Egbuka attributed a “complete 180” change in his life to his rediscovered faith, sharing a similar testimony with many of his teammates. This spiritual awakening fostered a sense of unity and purpose within the team, strengthening their bond beyond the football field. Egbuka’s decision to defer entering the NFL draft further underscored the depth of his commitment to his faith, prioritizing a calling he felt extended beyond the realm of sports.
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State’s running back, provided another compelling perspective on the transformative power of faith. Despite achieving significant success as a rookie, including lucrative NIL deals, Henderson faced adversity through injury. It was during this challenging time that he turned to his faith, crediting it with saving him from a “path of destruction.” Henderson’s testimony highlighted the importance of faith as a source of resilience and guidance, especially when faced with setbacks and temptations. His story served as a powerful example of how faith can provide strength and direction, even amidst the pressures and distractions of a high-profile athletic career.
The influence of faith extended beyond the players to the coaching staff. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, a recent convert to Catholicism, reinstated pregame Mass upon taking the helm. Freeman’s personal journey of faith mirrored the spiritual awakening within his team, creating a culture that encouraged players to explore and deepen their own beliefs. He emphasized the importance of believing in something larger than oneself, recognizing the universality of faith regardless of specific religious affiliation. This inclusive approach to faith fostered a supportive environment where players could find strength and meaning beyond the competitive demands of college football.
The 2024 College Football National Championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State was not just a contest of athletic skill and strategic execution. It was a testament to the profound impact of faith on the lives of the players and coaches involved. The shared devotion to Christianity created a unique narrative that transcended the game itself, offering a glimpse into the personal journeys of these young athletes. Their open expressions of faith provided a powerful reminder of the importance of belief, resilience, and community, qualities that extended far beyond the gridiron. The players’ testimonies served as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the transformative power of faith in the face of both triumph and adversity.
