GAINESVILLE —Florida veteran Graham Mertz was poised to make a Year 2 leap, like other top transfer quarterbacks before him, and bring Billy Napier’s Gators along for the ride.
Mertz’s season-opener instead ended in concussion protocol and true freshman DJ Lagway finishing off a 41-17 drubbing by No. 19 Miami.
Lagway is the quarterback of the future. Depending on Mertz’s recovery, the 19-year-old could make his first career start Saturday against Samford, a favorable FCS matchup for a young signal caller.
The Gators’ current quarterback situation looks much less favorable than it did entering 2024 unless Mertz can shake off his worst performance at Florida once he is medically cleared. The sixth-year veteran went back in time to his erratic days at Wisconsin and left Saturday’s game 11 of 20 for just 91 yards — the only time he hasn’t passed for more than 150 yards at Florida or thrown a touchdown.
Mertz failed to complete a pass of 20 yards or longer after vowing to push the ball down the field a season after UF managed just 15 30-yard completions, tied for 104th nationally.
“Obviously, didn’t create a ton of explosives,” Napier said.
The rare times Mertz attacked he was off the mark, on one occasion overthrowing Arizona State transfer Elijhah Badger in single coverage. His final pass was reckless, conjuring up memories of his Wisconsin days — before he transferred to UF after the 2022 season — and ending with a concussion after he was hit by a Miami defender.
Mertz targeted sophomore Eugene Wilson III on a post pattern, but did not anticipate Miami defensive back Mishael Powell jumping the route.
The passing struggles left UF with just 261 total yards and four plays longer than 15 — highlighted by a 71-yard touchdown run by Montrell Johnson Jr.
The Gators’ offensive line paved the way around the left end to spring the senior tailback, a rare instance when Miami’s defensive front did not dominate the line of scrimmage, even with star end Rueben Bain Jr. injured early in the game.
“Block destruction really showed up,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “The way we practice really showed up. We practice hard.”
Often under duress and unable to establish a rhythm, Mertz settled for short passes and backfield screens.
The formula was successful in 2023 and a step forward for Mertz. He led the SEC with a 72.9% completion rate and threw 20 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions after posting 38 touchdowns, 26 interceptions and 59.5% rate during three seasons in Madison.
When Mertz returns, he’ll have much to prove again, especially in light of Miami quarterback Cam Ward’s scintillating performance in the Swamp.
Ward’s ability to buy time with his feet and arm strength to target his receivers down the field confirmed his status as one of the nation’s top QB transfers when he decided to travel across the country from Washington State.
“Obviously a good player,” Napier said.
The Gators’ third-year coach has been all-in on Mertz, who was down the list of transfer QBs available in 2022 but ultimately proved to be worth the gamble.
During the offseason, Napier repeatedly touted Mertz as among the nation’s top quarterbacks. The second-year jumps a season ago by LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. offer a blueprint. Instead, it was false hope.
Yet, the 23-year-old Mertz remains Florida’s best option as Lagway continues to evolve.
The nation’s No. 1 QB recruit in 2024 had a couple of smooth hook-ups with Tre Wilson, a 16-yard scramble and led a scoring drive. Lagway also threw an interception.
The Gators will need Mertz, who made his 44th career start Saturday, back under center Sept. 14 when Texas A&M visits the Swamp in what is now a must-win game for Napier.
A 1-2 start would signal progress isn’t being made in Year 3.
With his offense puttering as continues to call plays, Napier wasted little time returning to a familiar spot— under fire, on his heels and searching for answers.
This season was supposed to be different. Instead, Saturday’s flop was as bad as it’s ever been under Napier.
The loss — the Gators’ sixth straight — dropped him to 11-15 at UF, including 2-10 against ranked opponents.
“It’s embarrassing, to be quite honest with you,” he said. “That’s how I feel. That’s how our kids feel.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at [email protected]
Samford at UF
When: Sept. 7, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 7 p.m.
TV: SEC Network Plus
