Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard Exits Orange Bowl for Concussion Check, Returns to Game

Riley Leonard will play on January 20, Friday in the Cotton Bowl to decide Notre Dame's final opponent.

January 10, 2026

This article was last updated by Pranaya Poudel on January 10, 2026

Despite exiting the first half of the playoff game, Notre Dame Fighting Irish Quarterback Riley Leonard helped in his team’s victory.

Riley Leonard and his team are going to the College Football Playoff title game after he threw for 223 yards and rushed for 33 more to help the Fighting Irish beat Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl on Thursday, January 9, 2026.

Leonard in the first half’s final minutes. He went into the medical tent on the Notre Dame sideline for a possible head injury after Penn State’s Zane Durant and Dvon J-Thomas hit him.

Riley Leonard returned to the game at the start of the third quarter after exiting earlier to be evaluated for a potential head injury.

— ESPN (@espn)

Leonard hit the back of his helmet on the turf and returned in the second half after being declared asymptomatic.

Steve Angeli replaced Leonard, and Notre Dame kicker Mitch Jeter kicked a 41-yard field goal on the final play, leading to the team’s victory.

Before exiting the game, the Notre Dame QB was 6 of 11 passing for 63 yards with an interception. Leonard also had seven rushing yards on five carries.

In return, Leonard appreciated the medical support team, stating they did an outstanding job.

He stated, “Got up a little wobbly, so that’s an indicator that they’ve got to take me to the tent and through all the concussion tests. We went through all the test and they decided i was goof to go back.“

Similarly, Notre Dame coach called Riley a competitor who finds a way to win.

Riley Leonard Began His Football Journey From A Very Young Age!

The Notre Dame QB began his football journey at a young age while attending Fairhope High School in Alabama.

He showcased his exceptional football skills while attending Fairhope, where, as a senior, he passed for 1900 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 500 yards.

With his years of experience playing for Fairhope, Leonard committed to Duke University to play college football in 2026.

During his freshman year at , he accumulated a year-best 70 rushing yards against Louisville, including a season-long 35-yard scamper for a touchdown.

Moreover, during his tenure with Duke, Leonard won several honorable titles, including Military Bowl MVP, Recipient of the Duke Football Carmen Falcone Team MVP, and Offensive MVP Awards.

On December 12, 2026, Leonard announced he would transfer to Notre Dame. He further became the team captain.

Riley Leonard is currently in his senior year and continues contributing his exceptional football to Notre Dame.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Riley James Leonard was born on September 13, 2002, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, to mother Heather and father Chad Leonard.
  • His father, Chad Leonard, played basketball at The Citadel from 1992 to 1995, winning several honorable titles.
  • Riley Leonard’s uncle, Michael Sabol, also played basketball at Georgetown University for one season.
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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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