College rivalries never die, even when players from opposing programs wind up on the same team as pros.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, an Ohio State alum, is in his sixth season with the Washington Commanders. This year, he was joined on the roster by former Michigan cornerback Mikey Sainristil, who is already looking like a quality pro in his first NFL season.
On Saturday, Sainristil’s Wolverines beat McLaurin’s Buckeyes 13-10 to spoil Ohio State’s Big Ten title hopes. The win was the fourth in a row for Michigan in the heated rivalry, and it gave the rookie bragging rights against his teammate.
Following the Commanders’ 42-19 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sainristil crashed McLaurin’s postgame press conference and watched as the star wideout paid up on a bet.
“Hats off to y’all man. Y’all came in there and y’all made the plays to win. We’ve got to find a way to come back next year and get the dub,” McLaurin said before holding up Sainristil’s Michigan jersey, which was the center of whatever wager they had.
A bet’s a bet 🤣@TheTerry_25 x @MikeSainristil pic.twitter.com/Dq8p8spbxI
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 1, 2024
“A bet’s a bet,” McLaurin joked.
The Commanders actually have four Ohio State players on their roster: McLaurin, fellow wide receiver Noah Brown, defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes and cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Sainristil is the lone Michigan product.
While McLaurin never lost to the Wolverines during his time at OSU, Sainristil was on the losing end in his first rivalry matchup in 2019.
However, he was a part of three consecutive Michigan wins from 2021-23 and helped the program win its first national championship in 26 years.
Now, the two are teaming up to try and help Washington reach the postseason for the first time since 2020. After a 7-2 start, the Commanders lost three in a row but steadied the ship with this afternoon’s blowout win.
At 8-5, they’re in good position to secure an NFC Wild Card spot with four games remaining.
Related: Michigan Players Were Pepper Sprayed During Ohio State Brawl