J.J. McCarthy, Jalen Nailor put college rivalry aside for game-winning play vs. Lions

J.J. McCarthy found a college rival, Jalen Nailor, for the game-winning throw and catch as the Vikings beat the Lions 27-24 Sunday. As McCarthy returned from injury, Minnesota got back to their winning ways.

McCarthy, who’s in his second season with the Vikings, played at Michigan while his teammate was over in East Lansing playing for the Spartans. Nailor is in his fourth season with the Vikings but made one of the biggest plays of his career: catching a game-winning first down conversion to ice the game in Detroit.

Whatever side of the dividing line between Michigan and Michigan State you fall on, perhaps McCarthy’s throw and Nailor’s catch could be a magical turning point in the year. The NFC North saw a bit of a shakeup Sunday and the Vikings are suddenly a player through eight games.

“I told ‘Speedy’ ever since the beginning of the season that he’s gonna make his mark,” McCarthy said postgame. “Every single day, every single game, he’s always doing the dirty work. He’s always doing everything right. Coach O’Connell gave us that confidence to go convert on that play, I knew it was meant to be, and I knew it was his moment.”

What a BIG throw to end the game.

A DOT by J.J. McCarthy and Jalen Nailor with a great catch.

Unbelievable win!
pic.twitter.com/em3FX5NgUQ

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) November 2, 2025

McCarthy finished the game with just 143 yards through the air, but threw two touchdowns and a pick. He also had a rushing touchdown.

Nailor had just one catch Sunday, but his 16-yard reception won the game in the fourth quarter. Victory formation followed.

McCarthy returned to the lineup following his ankle injury. It was good timing too since veteran Carson Wentz was ruled out for the season due to shoulder surgery. Wentz started the previous five games in place of McCarthy, going 2-3.

McCarthy was emotional in his postgame press conference though. He got the win in his return and it was clear his teammate’s reaction in the locker room contributed to a stellar day.

“It was awesome,” McCarthy said after a lengthy pause. “When you’re hurt, being on IR last year and being out for five weeks, it absolutely kills me not being out there with those guys, because I love every single one of them. I know they got my back, and I got theirs the rest of the way.”

McCarthy and the Vikings are back in action at home Sunday, November 9th. They’ll host the Baltimore Ravens at 1:00 p.m. ET.