Official starting lineup announcement for Notre Dame

Riley Leonard Clears Concussion Protocol, Leads Notre Dame to Tie Penn State in Playoff Semifinal

Jan 10, 2025, 02:35 AM

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard left the College Football Playoff semifinal in the Orange Bowl in Miami against Penn State after taking a hard hit late in the second quarter, with the Fighting Irish trailing 10-3. He was evaluated in the medical tent for a possible concussion, and backup quarterback Steve Angeli replaced him on the field. Angeli performed well, completing six of seven pass attempts and leading a scoring drive before halftime. His drive included three big third-down passes and a 36-yard catch by Aneyas Williams, helping reduce the deficit. Leonard emerged from the injury tent as the half ended, returned to the field with his helmet on, and warmed up with Angeli. After clearing concussion protocol and being confirmed as asymptomatic by head coach Marcus Freeman, Leonard returned to start the second half. He led Notre Dame on an impressive eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, tying the game at 10-10 with a three-yard quarterback keeper with 10:46 left in the third quarter.