Tag: florida quarterback

Florida’s starting QB out for the season

Who will the Florida Gators turn to at quarterback after Graham Mertz tore his ACL? Florida plays Georgia on Nov. 2.

Florida Gators starting quarterback Graham Mertz is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in Florida’s 23-17 loss at Tennessee. Mertz is out of eligibility after the injury.

Mertz completed 72 of 94 passes for 791 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions this season. Mertz finishes his senior season with a QBR of 71.6.

Now, the Gators will turn to true freshman DJ Lagway. Lagway has already seen significant snaps for Florida this season.

Lagway may be tasked with saving head coach Billy Napier’s job. He won’t have an easy time as Florida plays six Power Four schools over its final six games including four ranked opponents.

Lagway has completed 65.3% of his passes this year for five touchdowns and four interceptions.

Florida is 3-3 to start the 2024 college football season. The Gators host Kentucky in Week 8 before they have a bye week. After Florida’s bye, the Gators play the No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville, Florida.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

The Georgia-Florida game will be played at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 and televised on ABC.

Report: Former Wisconsin quarterback to return to starting lineup vs. Texas A&M

Report: Former Wisconsin quarterback to return to starting lineup vs. Texas A&M

Former Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz is expected to return to the starting lineup for Florida‘s Week 2 game against Texas A&M on Saturday, according to a report from 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

This update follows what has been a back-and-forth saga at quarterback for the Gators.

Related: How Wisconsin’s recent transfer departures fared in Week 2 of 2024 football season

Mertz began the season as the starter after excelling in the role with the Gators in 2023. But he was quickly forced out of Florida’s Week 1 loss to Miami with a concussion, which gave way to five-star true freshman D.J. Lagway. Lagway went on to start Week 2 against Samford with Mertz sidelined. He impressed, to say the least, with 456 yards and three touchdowns.

Many around the sport thought that Lagway’s performance would give him the full-time starting job. That viewpoint was bolstered by head coach Billy Napier’s current need for long-term hope, as the Gators have not done much winning with him at the helm and Mertz under center. In other words, Lagway’s emergence could end up saving Napier’s job.

But Napier said earlier this week that Mertz would start against the Aggies, with Lagway also seeing time. That snap breakdown was supported by Zenitz’s report on Friday.

This still appears to be a fluid situation, where terrific play from the true freshman should only result in more snaps. For Badger fans interested in Mertz’s career after transferring after the 2022 season, it will be interesting to watch how Saturday’s game against Texas A&M plays out.

The game is set for a 3:30 ET, 2:30 CT kickoff on ABC and ESPN+.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.