The Michigan Wolverines are kings of the college basketball world once again. They took down the UConn Huskies 69-63 to win the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament national championship.This victory marked the program’s first title since 1989. It also triggered a viral wager between two major football personalities.NFL analystDan Orlovsky is now in a tough spot.
NFL, Dan Orlovsky
August 29, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Dan Orlovsky (6) watches from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 30-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The ESPN analyst and UConn alum made a deal with former Michigan star Taylor Lewan. Since the Huskies lost the game, Orlovsky must now pay a very visible price.
Orlovskyhas to wear a dangling earring featuring the Michigan block “M” logo. He must sport the jewelry on every television show he appears on for one full month.
Dan Orlovsky now has to wear a clip-on dangling Michigan earring for the next month on every show he appears.
If he misses a day, it starts over. pic.twitter.com/dhBj2B1eXo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 7, 2026
Adam Schefter shared the news on social media regarding his colleague. The terms are strict because any missed day resets the entire 30-day clock to zero.
“Dan Orlovsky now has to wear a clip-on dangling Michigan earring for the next month on every show he appears,” Schefter said. “If he misses a day, it starts over.”
Lewan had his own risk in the deal. He would have dyed his hair husky blue if UConn won the game. Instead, Michigan secured the 6-point victory on Monday.
The No. 1 seed Wolverines outlasted the No. 2 seed Huskies in a tight battle. Now Orlovsky faces a month of ribbing on Get Up and NFL Live broadcasts.
Chris Canty doubts Dan Orlovsky will pay his debt
There is some skepticism about whether the former quarterback will actually follow through. Some peers think his history with wagers is shaky at best.
“I will just say this, Dan Orlovsky doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to paying off bets,” Canty said on theAdam Schefter Podcast. “It took him over a year.”
Canty mentioned this on the Unsportsmanlike radio show. He believes Orlovsky might try to dodge the punishment. The timing of the bet makes the situation even more difficult.
The next month includes heavy coverage of the NFL Draft. Orlovsky will be on screen constantly. Wearing a Michigan earring during draft analysis would be a very bold look.
Some wonder if he will use a technicality to delay the month. The bet did not name a specific start date. He could wait until the summer television schedule slows.
Orlovsky was hesitant even before the tipoff happened. He knew the Huskies were facing a buzzsaw. Michigan proved him right by cutting down the nets in the end.
“I’m cautious,” Orlovsky said before the game. “I’m cautious on it. I’m cautious to accept.”
Fans are now watching ESPN closely to see if the earring appears. Orlovsky must decide whether to honor the deal or face more heat from his coworkers.