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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard was evaluated for a concussion but was asymptomatic and was cleared to play in the second half, head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed to ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath. Offensive lineman Rocco Spindler was also cleared to return.
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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard left his team's College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl game against Penn State late in the second quarter to be evaluated for a potential concussion.
Leonard took a big shot and appeared to land awkwardly with the back of his head hitting the ground. The veteran quarterback was replaced by backup Steve Angeli. Additionally, Notre Dame offensive lineman Rocco Spindler, who played through an ankle injury during the Fighting Irish's win against Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, appeared to also suffer an injury on the same play.
Leonard appeared to be given a test for a concussion by Notre Dame staff on the sideline before going into the blue tent, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported.
Leonard threw for 63 yards and one interception on 6 of 11 passing prior to the injury. Angeli threw for 44 yards on 6 of 7 passing during Notre Dame's final drive of the first half, which concluded with a field goal as time expired to cut its deficit to 10-3.
Leonard transferred to Notre Dame ahead of the 2024 season after spending his first three years at Duke. The South Carolina native was the Offensive MVP during the Fighting Irish's Allstate Sugar Bowl victory last week, throwing for 90 yards on 15 of 24 passing, while also recording 80 yards on 14 rushing attempts.