Major SEC Program Loses Starting Quarterback For The Season

The Florida Gators had a tough weekend. Not only did they fall 23-17 to their SEC rival Tennessee in overtime, but they also lost their starting quarterback, Graham Mertz, to injury.

Florida head coach Billy Napier spoke to the media on Monday, confirming Mertz suffered a torn ACL in the loss and will be out for the remainder of the 2024 season.

“Graham Mertz has a torn ACL and he will be done for the season,” Napier said . “He will have surgery next week. It's only right for me to say how much I appreciate what he has brought to the team."

The non-contact injury occurred in the third quarter on a touchdown pass to Gators tight end Arlis Boardingham. Mertz had already let go of the football and several seconds passed. As he was sliding to his left with no one around him, he went down in pain .

Mertz, a sixth-year senior, was in his second season as the Gators’ starter. Before transferring to Florida, he spent four seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers, starting in three of them.

In his career, Mertz has thrown for 9,099 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions, according to ESPN .

While Florida will certainly miss Mertz’s leadership on the field, the team looks to be in good hands moving forward.

Next up on the Gators’ depth chart is freshman DJ Lagway, the 2023-24 Gatorade National Player of the Year and a five-star recruit from last year’s high school class. Lagway wasn't just rated five-star; he was also rated as the No. 3 overall player and the top quarterback in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports .

Lagway has appeared in every game this season and even started in Florida’s Week 2 matchup against Samford after Mertz suffered a concussion in Week 1 against Miami. In his first career start, he impressed by completing 18-of-25 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns, per ESPN .

Since then, head coach Billy Napier has rotated both Mertz and Lagway, with Lagway taking over every third offensive possession, regardless of the score.​

Florida looks to improve its record to 4-3 this Saturday when it hosts the Kentucky Wildcats. Lagway's second career start on SEC Network is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET.

Update:

Mertz shared a message on social media.

"Thank you for two incredible years in Gainesville," Mertz wrote.

"Unfortunately, I suffered a torn ACL against Tennessee and will miss the remainder of the season. During my recovery, I will remain a part of the program and do whatever I can in meeting rooms and from the sideline to help my teammates."

"I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support during this time."

Related: Fans Of Major College Football Program Were Distraught On Saturday Night