Tale of the Tape: DJ Lagway vs. Graham Mertz – Who’s Ready to Lead the Gators Offense?

By Dorrington Myers

The performance of a QB often dictates how successful a team can be. The Florida Gators have a history of producing great quarterbacks, including legends like Steve Spurrier and Tim Tebow , who have both brought home the Heisman Trophy in their respective campaigns. Presently, the Gators find themselves in a unique situation with two guys who excel in different ways. Graham Mertz , a transfer from Wisconsin, and DJ Lagway , a highly recruited QB out of high school, offer distinct strengths. Graham Mertz was a transfer from Wisconsin, and DJ Lagway was a highly recruited QB out of High School . Lagway, in particular, represents the next generation of quarterback play for the Florida Gators.

So, who’s the better choice to lead this team forward? When you dig into it, Lagway isn’t just the more exciting option—he’s the one who can take Florida to the next level.

Potential for Growth

Mertz is no slouch—he’s got experience from Wisconsin and has shown he can manage a game. But if we’re being honest, there’s a sense that we’ve already seen the best of him. He’s a solid quarterback, sure, but how much more can he grow? In contrast, Lagway is raw, but the potential is sky-high . He’s got that untapped potential that makes coaches salivate. Speed, a cannon of an arm, the ability to throw from unconventional angles, and a size that looks NFL-ready.

Mertz has had his moments, but his game feels limited. He’s a traditional pocket passer—effective in the past, but the game is evolving. Today, coaches are seeking quarterbacks who can move, extend plays, and keep defenses guessing. Lagway brings these qualities straight out of high school, so he doesn’t have to learn them. He’s two-dimensional, while Mertz, despite his strengths, is more one-dimensional.

QB Evolution

Think about how QB play has evolved in just the past few years. Once, the drop-back passer was the ideal. Today, the game demands more: quarterbacks who can scramble, create something out of nothing, and keep defenses guessing. Lagway is built for this new style. He’s not just a QB who stands tall in the pocket—he can also make an impact with his legs as much as his arm, and improvise when things don’t go as planned.

Graham Mertz, on the other hand, is suited for a traditional offense. He excels when the system is working well, but struggles when things go sideways. He finds it difficult to adapt when forced out of his comfort zone. In contrast, Lagway brings a dynamic edge to Florida’s offense . He keeps defenses guessing with every play, offering versatility that Mertz can’t match. With Lagway, you can design runs, stretch the field with deep throws, and open up the playbook in ways that Mertz simply can’t.

Higher Ceiling for Florida’s Future

Let’s get real: Florida was once the king of college football, and Gators fans are eager to reclaim that glory. To get back to the top, they need more than just a competent quarterback; they need a leader who can elevate the team. Lagway could be that game-changer. The great Florida teams of the past had quarterbacks who weren’t just skilled—they were leaders, motivators, and players who willed their teams to victory.

If Florida wants to return to its former glory, it’s time to look ahead rather than sticking with what’s comfortable now. Sure, Mertz can get you through the next season, but will he bring Florida back to national prominence? Probably not. DJ Lagway, on the other hand, embodies the potential to grow into a star, similar to the young talents we've seen at Alabama and Clemson. While playing a young quarterback like Lagway carries some risk, it also offers the potential for significant rewards down the road. Alabama didn’t wait, Clemson didn’t wait, and Florida shouldn’t either.

Conclusion

Graham Mertz has experience, and that counts for something. But college football is evolving rapidly, and Florida needs to evolve with it. DJ Lagway represents the future. His skill set isn’t just ideal for today’s game; it’s essential. The sooner the Gators invest in him, the sooner they’ll see the success they’ve been craving.

Lagway is built for where the game is heading, not where it’s been. If Florida wants to return to the top, it starts with Lagway leading the way into a new era of Gators football. Billy Napier hinted at playing both Lagway and Mertz, so it will be interesting to see how this unfolds.