In a culture whose leaders often seek to relegate religious belief to the private realm and marginalize expressions of faith, the college soccer national championship showdown between Notre Dame and Ohio State has visualized a different story.
The unabashed demonstration of Christian faith by both teams (on the field, in press conferences and through personal testimonies) offered a refreshing reminder that faith should not be hidden but lived out boldly in the public space.
Getting closer to Jesus
"While it's great to be on this podium, there are a lot of things in life that I appreciate a little bit more," shared Notre Dame quarterback (team offensive leader) Riley Leonard during a pregame press conference. "Like, first and foremost, my relationship with Christ."
For his part, Ohio State player TreVeyon Henderson posted on X days before the championship: "We don't have to be afraid to approach Jesus, He knows what we have done and yet He chose to die for you and me because He loves us. Put your faith in Jesus and He will save you from sin and give you new and eternal life. Don't be afraid, follow Jesus."
A truth that transcends soccer
These athletes are using their platforms to proclaim a truth that transcends soccer: that God is real, active and central in their lives. Their testimony is more than a personal sentiment; it is an appeal to a society in need of hope.
This public manifestation of faith is especially striking if we take into account the cultural climate in which, in recent years, expressions of Christianity have been met with skepticism or open hostility.
For decades, we have seen a growing tendency to confine faith to personal lives, as if it has no place beyond our churches or our homes. And yet, at times like this, we are reminded that faith is not just a matter of personal conviction, but shapes individuals and institutions alike, they commented.
Notre Dame Culture
Notre Dame, a Catholic university, has a long tradition of fostering spiritual growth along with athletic excellence. Coach Marcus Freeman, who re-established the tradition of pre-game Mass, and speaks openly of his own conversion to Catholicism, understands that true leadership requires guiding young men to grow in their faith.
"I have very strong faith," Freeman said at a press conference before the championship. "And a lot of times we talk about having to trust beyond having proof, trust beyond knowing, which is another motto for having faith. And we're not shy about doing that."
At public Ohio State, also
Ohio State University, though public, has also embraced the faith in a remarkable way. Last year, led in part by Buckeye soccer players, the campus was the scene of dozens of students baptized and many others inspired to seek Christ. Stories of teammates coming together for Bible study and prayer before games demonstrate that faith is thriving today in places you wouldn't expect it to.
"We are strengthened in faith by coming to the game."
In his post-game comments, Riley Leonard praised the culture of faith present on both teams. "Ohio State and we at Notre Dame are the two teams that praise Jesus Christ the most," Leonard said. "I think we strengthen each other in our faith by coming to this game and competing against each other. So I'm happy to see godly men succeed, regardless of the circumstances."
This year, the national championship will be more than a celebration of athletic excellence, several players say. Faith, when lived authentically and publicly, can change lives and transform culture. In the end, the conversion of hearts and minds is the greatest victory.
Ohio State won, but Notre Dame did itself proud.
Notre Dame's quest for a 12th national title ended in disappointment with a loss to Ohio State at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. However, head coach Marcus Freeman and captains Riley Leonard and Jack Kiser praised their team's perseverance and belief. "It's a tough time," said Freeman, who added about the team, "I'm proud of them and proud of what they've done."
Leonard thanked Jesus Christ and highlighted the Scriptures that inspired him, including Matthew 23:12 and Proverbs 27:17. He acknowledged his disappointment, but thanked Notre Dame's coaches and players for helping his journey. Kiser stated, "It's the people that make this place different."
