GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz will not participate for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, according to head coach Billy Napier’s announcement on Monday.
Mertz, a sixth-year senior hailing from Overland, Kansas, sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a close 23-17 overtime defeat against Tennessee this past Saturday. Coach Napier mentioned that Mertz is set to undergo surgery next week.
The injury occurred when Mertz awkwardly caught his foot in the playing surface after successfully delivering a 13-yard touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham in the third quarter. Despite leading 10-0 at the time, Mertz wasn’t able to continue and made his way to the locker room. He reappeared on the sidelines later, dressed in casual clothing and utilizing a knee brace.
Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway stepped in to lead the Gators (3-3, 1-2 in the Southeastern Conference) and threw a crucial 27-yard touchdown pass to Chimere Dike, bringing the team within reach just 29 seconds before regulation ended. Coach Napier opted for an extra point attempt rather than a two-point conversion, which ultimately contributed to Florida’s defeat in overtime.
During his time on the field, Mertz completed 11 out of 15 passes, accumulating 125 yards along with his touchdown pass and a fumble near the goal line. He played the previous two seasons at Florida following his transfer from Wisconsin, where he had been a starter for three years.
In 2023, Mertz had started 11 games before fracturing his collarbone in a match against Missouri, and had played four additional games this season. He finished the season with a 73.7% completion rate, totaling 3,694 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Experts anticipate him to be selected on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft.
With Mertz sidelined, Coach Napier will turn to Lagway for the upcoming homecoming game against Kentucky. Lagway, from Willis, Texas, has a record of completing 65.3% of his passes so far this season, totaling 765 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.
In Lagway’s debut start, he will face a Wildcats defense that ranks third in the SEC for fewest yards allowed. Kentucky has been particularly resilient, permitting a total of just 50 points over their last three conference matchups.