As a redshirt freshman for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2015, McLaurin appeared in six games and recorded seven tackles and a fumble recovery.

[14] He added to that by catching at least five passes and a touchdown over the next two games, making him the first player in league history to achieve such a feat in their first three career appearances.

[15] In Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins, McLaurin caught four receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns as the Redskins won their first game of the season.

[21] Following a season ending injury to team captain Landon Collins in October 2020, McLaurin was unanimously voted by his teammates to replace him.

[23] He suffered a high ankle sprain against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15 and missed the following game against the Carolina Panthers as a result.

[25] The team won the NFC East division, with McLaurin recording six catches for 75 yards in a 31–23 Wildcard loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

[26] In March 2021, Curtis Samuel signed a three-year contract with the Washington Football Team, reuniting McLaurin with his college roommate and fellow receiver.

[27] In a Week 2 game against the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football, McLaurin caught 11 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown in a 30–29 victory.

[41] McLaurin had eight receptions for a season-best 128 yards on Monday Night Football as the Commanders ended the Eagles' undefeated start to the season in Week 10.

[48] In a Week 3 Monday Night Football win against the Cincinnati Bengals, McLaurin caught a 27-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to essentially seal the victory.

[55] McLaurin finished the season second in the league with 13 touchdown receptions, setting a new Commanders record, and went over 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth consecutive year.

[58][59] In his second playoff appearance, McLaurin recorded seven receptions for 89 receiving yards and one touchdown in the Wild Card round win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

[60] He would follow-up with four receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown in the 45–31 win over the Detroit Lions that advanced Washington to the NFC Championship Game.