Florida QB Graham Mertz's season and his college career are over because of a knee injury
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz (15) dives for the goal as he's hit by Tennessee defensive back Andre Turrentine (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. Mertz fumbled on the play. Credit: AP/Wade Payne
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida quarterback Graham Mertz will miss the remainder of the season because of a knee injury, coach Billy Napier said Monday.
Mertz, a sixth-year senior from Overland, Kansas, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a 23-17 overtime loss at Tennessee on Saturday. Napier says Mertz will have surgery next week.
Mertz awkwardly caught his cleat in the turf after throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham midway through the third quarter. Mertz limped to the locker room with a 10-0 lead and later returned to the sideline wearing street clothes and a knee brace.
Highly touted freshman DJ Lagway took over and gave the Gators (3-3, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) a chance with a 27-yard TD pass to Chimere Dike with 29 seconds left in regulation. Napier called for the extra point instead of trying a 2-point conversion, and Florida lost in overtime.
Mertz completed 11 of 15 passes for 125 yards, with the touchdown pass and a fumble at the goal line. He spent the last two years at Florida after transferring from Wisconsin, where he was a three-year starter.
Mertz started 11 games in 2023 before breaking his collarbone in a game at Missouri and four more this season. He completed 73.7% of his passes for 3,694 yards, with 26 touchdowns and five interceptions at Florida. He is projected to be a Day 3 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Napier will turn to Lagway beginning with Saturday's homecoming game against Kentucky. Lagway, who is from Willis, Texas, has completed 65.3% of his passes for 765 yards, with five touchdowns and four interceptions.
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz (15) runs for yardage during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Wade Payne
Lagway's first start will come against a defense that ranks third in the SEC in yards allowed. The Wildcats have given up a combined 50 points in their last three conference games.
