In a surprising turn of events, questions have emerged about the availability of Notre Dame Fighting Irish star quarterback Riley Leonard for the upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal against Penn State. Leonard, who has been instrumental in leading the Irish to a 13-1 season, is reportedly dealing with an undisclosed issue that could impact his ability to play.
Sources close to the program suggest that Leonard sustained a minor injury during Notre Dame’s 23-10 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. While the injury has not been officially confirmed by the coaching staff, speculation has grown following Leonard’s limited participation in recent team practices.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman addressed the media earlier this week but provided little clarity on Leonard’s status. “Riley is a competitor. We’re monitoring him closely, and we’ll make a decision closer to game day,” Freeman said. “We have confidence in our entire quarterback room.”
If Leonard is unable to play, the Irish may turn to backup quarterback Steve Angeli, a sophomore who has seen limited action this season. While Angeli has shown promise, stepping into the spotlight in a CFP semifinal against a formidable Penn State defense would be a daunting challenge.
Fans and analysts alike are anxiously awaiting further updates. Leonard has been the backbone of the Irish offense, amassing over 3,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns this season while also contributing as a rushing threat. Losing him for the semifinal would be a significant blow to Notre Dame’s championship hopes.
For now, the Irish faithful remain hopeful that Leonard will recover in time to lead his team onto the field. The CFP semifinal is scheduled for this Saturday, and all eyes will be on South Bend for the final decision.
