For the first time since 2012, Notre Dame will play for a national title. The Fighting Irish advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship with a 27-24 win against Penn State in Thursday evening's Orange Bowl.

Notre Dame heads to halftime down 10-3 against Penn State and perhaps without its starting quarterback for the second half

Friday’s Cotton Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes will determine Notre Dame’s opponent. The two winning teams will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, where they’ll meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the National Championship game at 8:00 p.m. ET on Monday. Jan. 20, 2025.

It's time for College Football Playoff Orange Bowl semifinal. Follow along for live score and game updates between Notre Dame vs Penn State:

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard left the game with an injury, while Penn State's run game is dominating.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard left the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl late in the first half and was being evaluated by the Fighting Irish’s medical staff

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard was ushered off the field by officials after a possible concussion in the Orange Bowl against Penn State, but returned.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard returned in the second half after leaving the game due to an injury before halftime in the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal on Thursday night and led the Fighting Irish to a 27-24 victory.

Notre Dame is going to the first College Football Playoff National Championship after defeating Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night.

Graduate senior Tosh Baker, who started in the Sun Bowl to end the 2023 season, replaced Knapp in the Notre Dame football lineup.