True freshman poised to take starting job at Florida over former Wisconsin quarterback

Former Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz’s tenure as Florida’s starting quarterback appears to be coming to an end.

After suffering a concussion in the third quarter of the Gators’ opening contest of the 2024 season against Miami, true freshman D.J. Lagway, the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2024, took the reins under center.

Lagway completed 3 of 6 pass attempts for 31 yards and took four carries for 20 yards against the Hurricanes. His first game as Florida’s starter, however, was nothing short of impressive.

The Texas native registered 456 passing yards on 18 completions along with three touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound quarterback rushed five times for 16 yards in the 45-7 triumph over the Samford Bulldogs.

One of his most spectacular individual sequences occurred late in the third quarter when Lagway rifled a dart from a collapsing pocket to wide receiver Aidan Mizell for a 41-yard touchdown. Lagway showcased both his decisiveness and arm strength on the play, something Mertz received criticism for during his time in Madison.

Here’s the full play:

Obviously, Florida’s long-term plan at quarterback doesn’t involve Mertz. Having played five years of college football, the former Badger’s collegiate journey could be nearing an end with his concussion and the emergence of Lagway coinciding.

Florida will square off against No. 7 Tennessee , No. 1 Georgia , No. 2 Texas , No. 16 LSU and No. 5 Ole Miss later this seson. Head coach Billy Napier may elect to start the true freshman for the remainder of the season to gauge his progress in a loaded SEC.

Mertz notched 11 completions on 20 attempts for 91 passing yards and an interception in his appearance for the Gators this season. He finished with a career-high 261 completions, 2,903 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes with Florida in 2023.

UPDATE (Sept. 9): Florida head coach Billy Napier said on Monday that Mertz will start, but both quarterbacks will play moving forward.