Riley Leonard made one heckuva comeback.

The Notre Dame quarterback knotted the Orange Bowl at 10 apiece with a third-quarter touchdown against Penn State on Thursday night.

The score — a 3-yard run up the middle — came after Leonard left the first half early following a hard hit with 1:37 left.

Leonard with the exclamation on Notre Dame's opening drive 😤

(via @patmcafeeshow) pic.twitter.com/zaWBu7Vgul

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 10, 2025

Leonard was reportedly being checked for a concussion, leading to Steve Angeli taking over for the final drive of the half.

The backup connected on six of his seven throws for 44 yards, leading to the Irish getting their first points on the night on Mitch Jeter’s 41-yard field goal.

Riley Leonard went into the medical tent for a possible head injury after taking this hit late in the second quarter.

Leonard was replaced by backup QB Steve Angeli. pic.twitter.com/PAd4UtuNe3

— ESPN (@espn) January 10, 2025

Leonard, however, took the reins once again when the second half kicked off and led Notre Dame on a nine-play, 80-yard drive.

The senior entered Thursday’s matchup with 2,383 yards 18 touchdowns and six interceptions — adding 843 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground — in 14 games for the Irish this season, his first in South Bend after three years with Duke.

The 22-year-old, once considered a potential first-round NFL draft prospect, has seen his stock rise again this season, though he likely slots in as a later-round pick now.

Showing off some toughness probably doesn’t hurt, either.

And neither does the fact that, despite some down moments, Leonard helped lead Notre Dame to a 27-24 win over Penn State in what was a classic College Football Playoff semifinal clash.

Leonard and the Fighting Irish will face the winner of Friday night’s Ohio State-Texas clash in the national championship game on Jan. 20.