Former Wisconsin quarterback sidelined with concussion, true freshman in as starter

Former Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz will miss the Florida Gators’ Week 2 contest vs. Samford, per head coach Billy Napier.

Mertz suffered a concussion late in the third quarter of Florida’s eventual 41-17 loss to No. 19 Miami. The hit arrived when Mertz was nailed by a pair of Miami defenders after releasing a pass attempt.

Prior to the head injury, Mertz didn’t do much under center. He recorded 11 completions on 20 attempts for just 91 passing yards and an interception.

The injury prompted Napier to replace the UW alumnus with DJ Lagway, the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2024, for the remainder of the contest. Lagway, a promising athlete at 6’3,” 241 pounds, completed 3-of-his-6 pass attempts for 31 yards and took four carries for 20 yards.

The injury is unfortunate for Mertz after expectations surrounding his play were high entering the season. It now allows Lagway to take the helm for the time being, which could become permanent if the former five-star recruit lives up to his recruiting billing.

The talented freshman will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his sky-high ceiling. Florida has games remaining against Texas A&M, No. 14 Tennessee, No. 1 Georgia, No. 3 Texas, No. 18 LSU, No. 6 Ole Miss and Florida State.

Mertz will enter concussion protocol ahead of Week 2 just one game into his sixth year of collegiate eligibility. It currently remains unclear how much time the former Badger quarterback will miss.