It’s time for the next man up at Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish used a backup quarterback when they fell short in the Orange Bowl on Thursday.

Notre Dame’s starting quarterback, Riley Leonard, left the College Football Playoff semifinals late in the first half and was evaluated by the Fighting Irish’s medical staff.

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Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates a tackle on Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Leonard went to the medical tent on the Notre Dame sideline about two minutes before halftime after being hit by Penn State’s Zane Durant and Dvon J-Thomas.

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Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) plays against Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Kevin Bauman (84) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)

It wasn’t immediately clear what Leonard’s injury status was. He was replaced by Steve Angeli and Notre Dame kicked a field goal on the final play of the half to cut Penn State’s lead to 10-3.

Leonard completed six of 11 passes for 63 yards and one interception before getting injured.

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Penn State Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley (6) sacks Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)

Angeli is from Westfield, New Jersey and played high school football at Bergen Catholic High School. He made his first collegiate start in the 2023 Sun Bowl, throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-8 win over Oregon State.

UPDATE: Riley Leonard returned to the game in the second half.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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