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.
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.
Graham Mertz is set to start at QB for Florida vs. Texas A&M tomorrow, sources tell @247Sports/@CBSSports.
Five-star freshman QB DJ Lagway, who threw for 456 yards and three TDs last week vs. Samford while starting in place of an injured Mertz, is expected to see time as well.… pic.twitter.com/hryzQV8Waz
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+.
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Texas A&M will officially face Florida QB Graham Mertz to start the game on Saturday
Ahead of Texas A&M’s (1-1) SEC road trip to Gainsville to face the Florida Gators (1-1) on Saturday afternoon, Florida head coach Billy Napier announced earlier in the week that he would implement a two-quarterback system involving senior QB Graham Mertz, and freshman phenom DJ Lagway.
After dealing with concussion issues after the loss to Miami, Lagway made his first career start against Samford, casually throwing for 456 yards and three touchdowns while using his legs to move the sticks impressively. For Gators fans desperate for some improvement, Lagway looked like the best choice to start vs. Texas A&M, right?
On Friday, it was revealed that Napier would go with Graham Mertz to start the game, relying on his experience despite his shaky play in the Miami loss. In contrast, on the other side, Texas A&M starting quarterback Conner Weigman is questionable to play due to an undisclosed injury.
If Weigman can’t go, sophomore QB Marcel Reed will make his first start of the season after playing the entire second half of the Aggies’ win over McNeese State.
Is Florida’s two-QB system still in play? Possibly, especially if Mertz fails to get the offense going early.
Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.
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Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway are expected to get significant playing time vs. Texas A&M, so let’s dive into the Gators’ history with the dual quarterback strategy.
The world of college football is always changing and evolving with new strategies and game plans to help teams have success, but there hasn’t been many that have been as intriguing or debated as the use of the dual quarterback system.
For the Florida Gators football team, this dual quarterback approach to the game is nothing new as they will be using that strategy on Saturday when they play the Texas A&M Aggies.
Because of that, let’s dive into Florida’s history with the dual quarterback system. Again, it’s not a new concept for the Gators.
The Mid-1980s
The concept of using several quarterbacks goes back to the mid-1980s. The Gators head coach at the time was Galen Hall who was the offensive coordinator for Florida in 1984 before becoming the interim head coach on Sept. 17 of that same year.
Hall was named the interim head coach because the previous coach, Charley Pell, was fired after an NCAA investigation alleged that he and his coaching staff had committed over 100 violations pertaining to the NCAA rules during the previous couple of seasons.
Allsport /Allsport
Because of this, the Florida football program had a two-year bowl ban, scholarships were lost and there were restrictions on recruiting.
Anyway, Hall took over as head coach and began experimenting with different signal-callers. Despite it not being the team’s primary tactic, these early trials were key to shaping the team’s offensive approach.
The Spurrier Era
Florida’s offensive strategy during the 1990s completely evolved under head coach Steve Spurrier.
Spurrier occasionally used a dual quarterback system to exploit different weaknesses in the defense.
Scott Halleran/Getty Images
In 1994, Spurrier used both quarterbacks Terry Dean and Danny Wuerffel. Wuerffel eventually became Florida’s starting quarterback and won the Heisman Trophy in 1996, but Dean’s presence allowed Spurrier to keep the opponents guessing by mixing up the offense. It created a sense of unpredictability with the Gators offensive attack.
Chris Leak and Tim Tebow
Florida’s head coach from 2005-2010 was Urban Meyer who implemented the spread offense.
Meyer didn’t necessarily use the dual quarterback approach as the team’s offensive strategy, but there were instances where multiple quarterbacks played a significant amount of snaps.
During the 2006 season, Chris Leak was Florida’s starting quarterback and Tim Tebow was the backup. Leak was a more proficient passer but didn’t have the skillset to run the ball like Tebow and Meyer knew that. So, Meyer used Tebow several different ways, mainly in goal-line packages and short-yardage situations.
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
By using Tebow’s strength and power, Meyer was able to create mismatches with the defense while also enabling unpredictable play calls. This strategy played a key role in helping the Gators win a national championship that year.
Feleipe Franks and Emory Jones
Skipping ahead to 2018, the dual quarterback system returned to the Gators offense under head coach Dan Mullen.
Mullen utilized both quarterbacks Feleipe Franks and Emory Jones to create an offensive attack that was effective and efficient.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Franks was the primary starter for Florida because of his arm and ability to throw the deep ball while Jones was a mobile and dynamic alternative.
The strategy that Mullen implemented was to rotate the quarterbacks depending on the situation of the game. Jones was used for designed runs and unpredictability while Franks was used to execute the primary passing game.
Looking back on the strategy
The dual quarterback approach has proved to be an effective strategy given what it’s done in the history of Florida Gators football. Although the dual quarterback system hasn’t been a constant feature of their strategy, its use in crucial seasons shows the Gators’ readiness to innovate and adapt.
As the Gators roll out in the Swamp against Texas A&M on Saturday afternoon, they’ll be implementing the same strategy that has been engraved in the program’s history over the years.
Both Mertz and Lagway will be seeing significant playing time, but it’s up to Napier to find out which quarterback can help his team win when it matters most.
Coming up for the Gators
Florida will play at home in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium against Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.
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Florida is dealing with several injuries heading into a Week 3 matchup with Texas A&M. Here’s what the SEC availability report says.
Florida has released its first student-athlete availability report ahead of a Week 3 matchup with Texas A&M Aggies.
The availability report is being introduced this season in an effort to promote the integrity of competition, the well-being of student-athletes and institutional staff and public transparency.
“Beginning with the 2024-25 athletics season, all Southeastern Conference schools will provide public reports on the availability of student-athletes to participate in each Conference game in the sports of football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball,” the SEC policy reads.
Football programs must report an initial disclosure on Wednesday by 7 p.m., or three nights before a non-Saturday game, and update those reports on both Thursday and Friday. An official designation of available, game-time decision or out must be provided no later than 90 minutes before game time.
The good news is that quarterback [autotag]Graham Mertz[/autotag] is out of the concussion protocol and healthy again. The bad news is that 10 other players have already been ruled out for Saturday’s contest. Another six Gators are questionable
Offense
Florida’s wide receiver corps will be missing Ja’Quavion Fraziars, Brian Green Jr. and Kahleil Jackson this week. Neither Fraziars nor Green have played a snap this year, and Jackson is out for the season after knee surgery.
Andy Jean has also missed the first two games, but there is some hope for him to play with a “questionable” designation.
The big one here is [autotag]Eugene Wilson III[/autotag], Florida’s leading receiver on the year. Losing Wilson would be a big blow to UF’s offense, so this is one to monitor closely.
Tight ends Caleb Rillos and Keon Zipperer are both expected to sit on Saturday. Zipperer is still returning from a gruesome lower-body injury suffered a year ago. Rillos’ issue is unknown.
Defense
Florida’s defensive backs situation is grim heading into Week 3.
Starting strong safety [autotag]Asa Turner[/autotag] suffered a non-contact injury to his lower body against Miami. He’ll sit for a second straight week.
Cornerback [autotag]Devin Moore[/autotag] is listed as questionable after suffering an AC joint injury in Week 1 and missing a game, and his backup, Ja’Keem Jackson, got hurt the following week and is out against Texas A&M.
At least the team’s top corner, Jason Marshall Jr., is healthy. Getting Moore back this week would be huge with Jackson missing.
[autotag]Sharif Denson[/autotag], Flroida’s starting nickelback in Week 1, is also questionable after missing the Samford game. Safety Bryce Thornton is in the same boat.
Ahman Covington and Brayden Slade are out as well. Although they aren’t regulars in the defensive backs rotation, Florida could use as much depth as possible.
The only member of Florida’s front seven on the availability report is Jamari Lyons, who broke his ankle during fall camp. Lyons will miss the entire season.
Texas A&M players on SEC availability report
Texas A&M’s availability report lists just three players, but one of them is former Florida linebacker [autotag]Scooby Williams[/autotag]. He’s questionable while former five-star running back Reuben Owens and offensive lineman Mark Nabou Jr. will miss the game.
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Will Graham Mertz or DJ Lagway receive more snaps vs. Texas A&M?
Texas A&M’s Week 3 matchup vs. Florida is just three days away, as new Aggie head coach Mike Elko and his defense will prepare to face a two-quarterback system that will feature veteran Graham Mertz, and freshman phenom DJ Lagway, who made his first career start last weekend.
On Wednesday, Florida head coach Billy Napier spoke about this new system during his weekly SEC Teleconference appearance. He noted that both signal callers present skill sets that could confuse the Aggie secondary, including Lagway’s arm strength.
“Both of these guys have high character, unbelievable work ethic and are great leaders. We’re hopeful it will help our team continue to improve and win games.”
How it will work is up in the air, but history shows that it works best to stick with one quarterback to run a specific offense outside of RPO-based schemes. However, after throwing for over 456 yards and three touchdowns in the win against Samford, Lagway still looks like the leader to take most of the snaps on Saturday.
Furthermore, Napier would not go into detail regarding Graham Mertz’s injury status after missing Week 2 due to a concussion, so, for now, I would expect Elko and his staff to prepare to start and end the game potentially.
Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.
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Gators plan to use a dual quarterback approach against Texas A&M Week 3 according to Billy Napier at Wednesday’s press conference.
Florida football head coach Billy Napier has plans to use a dual quarterback approach against the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday.
Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway have both been practicing with the first and second team practice groups this week.
“Both players were able to get reps with both groups,” Napier said. “They’re both preparing at a high level in anticipation of both playing in the game.”
Napier talked about how Mertz and Lagway have been working together.
“It’s been awesome to see them work together as they prepare in practice. Encouraging each other, collaborating with each other.”
Mertz has been in concussion protocol for about a week and a half after suffering a concussion during the first game of the season against Miami.
Napier mentioned how Mertz has looked great in practice this week.
“(Mertz) had a great week,” Napier said. “(The) ball’s jumping out of his hand. I think he’s getting back into a rhythm.”
While Mertz has been taking first-team reps in practice, true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway has been doing the same.
So the Gators will be taking a dual quarterback approach, meaning that both Mertz and Lagway will be getting playing time.
What does Napier’s plan look like? Will both quarterbacks alternate offensive drives? Does Napier plan to play a quarterback based on the down and distance, or the field position?
Before getting hurt in Week 1, Mertz had 91 passing yards, completed 11 of his 20 throws and gave up an interception.
The redshirt senior is playing in his sixth season as a collegiate athlete and hopes to put his shaky performance from Week 1 behind him as his offense faces a tough Texas A&M defense.
Up next for the Gators
Florida will play at home in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium against Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.
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Florida to start former Wisconsin quarterback, have DJ Lagway come off the bench
Florida head coach Billy Napier cleared the air on the Florida Gators’ quarterback situation on Monday.
While true freshman D.J. Lagway, the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2024, turned heads with his 456-yard, three-touchdown output in Florida’s 45-7 Week 2 triumph over the Samford Bulldogs, Napier confirmed that former Wisconsin Badgers QB Graham Mertz will start upon his return from injury. Napier clarified that Lagway will also continue to see playing time.
“It’s a blessing to have two really good quarterbacks and certainly one with a ton of experience and one without,” Napier told reporters on Monday. “But there’s no doubt both of these guys will make us harder to defend. We intend to use both of them.”
On the surface, the news comes as somewhat of a surprise given the latest developments in Florida’s quarterback room.
Mertz started the Gators’ first contest of the season against the Miami Hurricanes but suffered a concussion in the third quarter of the bout. He finished with 91 passing yards and an interception, opening the window for Lagway to step in for his first action on the college stage.
Lagway showed flashes during the Gators’ blowout loss to Miami. He then followed that up with an eye-opening performance in the win over Samford.
The two quarterbacks bring different experience and skillsets to the table.
Mertz entered his sixth and final season of eligibility this fall after logging a career-high 261 completions, 2,903 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes with Florida in 2023.
Lagway, meanwhile, was named Mr. Texas Football before his 19th birthday in August. With a rocket for an arm and a 225-pound frame as a freshman, he has a much higher ceiling than the veteran. With Mertz, fans know what to expect.
Florida has yet to square off against No. 7 Tennessee, No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Texas, No. 16 LSU and No. 5 Ole Miss this fall. Given Napier’s recent statement, expect to see both Mertz and Lagway slinging it for the Gators against an SEC schedule littered with juggernauts.
Prepare to see a two QB system, including Florida freshman DJ Lagway this Saturday
On Monday, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko took questions from the media in his weekly fashion just two days after the Aggies blew out McNeese State 52-10 to earn their first victory of the 2024 season.
While winning over any team should provide the same feeling, defeating an FCS program doesn’t quite move the needle, making this weekend’s SEC road test vs. Florida another litmus test for a team that has yet to impress the fan base and media alike.
Unlike most weeks, Elko and his staff must prepare for a two-quarterback system. Florida head coach Billy Napier will reportedly split reps between veteran Graham Mertz and freshman phenom DJ Lagway.
The first-year signal caller threw for 450-plus yards and three touchdowns in his first career start against Samford. It’s safe to say Elko has some challenges ahead this week.
“You don’t really know how they ‘re going to utilize them both. … To some degree, it’s a little bit like an opener.”
Noting Lagway’s recent performance, Elko’s three-year stint as Texas A&M’s defensive coordinator/recruiter made him highly familiar with the freshman’s elite skillset.
“He’s an extremely talented kid. … He starting busting on the scene right before I left.”
“It’s a small sample size in college, so you’re still really working off everything you know about him.”
However, Texas A&M could have the upper hand in terms of preparation, as defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, defense line coach Sean Spencer, linebacker Scooby Williams, and cornerback Jaydon Hill were at Florida last season under Napier, with a clear understanding of how the Gator offense and defense potentially plan to attack the Aggies.
“It helps when you have some guys that have some familiarity with the team you’re playing against. It provides some insight to personnel and things like that.”
Texas A&M will travel to Gainsville to take on the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC.
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Gators football head coach Billy Napier says quarterback Graham Mertz is close to being cleared to play this week against Texas A&M.
Florida football quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a concussion in Week 1 against Miami and had to enter concussion protocol, but he is still not cleared to play according to head coach Billy Napier.
“There’s one more step he’s got to go through,” Napier said to the media on Monday. “So I think today…this is his non-contact practice and then we’ll have another punch list to go through here.”
The goal is for Mertz to be ready to go by Saturday when the Gators play the Texas A&M Aggies.
True freshman DJ Lagway has been taking Mertz’s place as the Gators’ starting quarterback and after a record-setting performance against Samford last Saturday, fans have been giving high praise to the former five-star prospect.
But if Mertz is healthy and ready to go, what will be the situation with Lagway? Well, Napier says that the plan is to use both quarterbacks.
“It’s a blessing to have two really good quarterbacks…We intend to use both of them,” Napier addressed.
Napier went on to say, “Look, we’re going to do what’s in the best interest of our team. I think both these players can make our team better and I think that’s what we intend to do.”
Up next for the Gators
Florida will play at home in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium against Texas A&M (1-1) on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC.
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Former Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz’s tenure as Florida’s starting quarterback appears to be coming to an end.
After suffering a concussion in the third quarter of the Gators’ opening contest of the 2024 season against Miami, true freshman D.J. Lagway, the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2024, took the reins under center.
Lagway completed 3 of 6 pass attempts for 31 yards and took four carries for 20 yards against the Hurricanes. His first game as Florida’s starter, however, was nothing short of impressive.
The Texas native registered 456 passing yards on 18 completions along with three touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound quarterback rushed five times for 16 yards in the 45-7 triumph over the Samford Bulldogs.
One of his most spectacular individual sequences occurred late in the third quarter when Lagway rifled a dart from a collapsing pocket to wide receiver Aidan Mizell for a 41-yard touchdown. Lagway showcased both his decisiveness and arm strength on the play, something Mertz received criticism for during his time in Madison.
Obviously, Florida’s long-term plan at quarterback doesn’t involve Mertz. Having played five years of college football, the former Badger’s collegiate journey could be nearing an end with his concussion and the emergence of Lagway coinciding.
Florida will square off against No. 7 Tennessee, No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Texas, No. 16 LSU and No. 5 Ole Miss later this seson. Head coach Billy Napier may elect to start the true freshman for the remainder of the season to gauge his progress in a loaded SEC.
Mertz notched 11 completions on 20 attempts for 91 passing yards and an interception in his appearance for the Gators this season. He finished with a career-high 261 completions, 2,903 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes with Florida in 2023.
UPDATE (Sept. 9): Florida head coach Billy Napier said on Monday that Mertz will start, but both quarterbacks will play moving forward.
