It’s only right that I say how much I appreciate what he’s brought to the team, Napier stated.
For Mertz, a sixth-year senior, it was a painful way to cap out his time in college. He threw a 13-yard touchdown throw to Arlis Boardingham halfway through the third quarter to put Florida ahead 10-0, but the injury was noncontact.
Mertz’s leg seemed to land awkwardly on the turf as he was backing up after the throw. After receiving medical attention from trainers, he hobbled off the field and, upon arriving at the sideline, slammed his helmet to the ground. Mertz was using crutches and a knee brace to watch the fourth quarter.
Due to Mertz’s injury, DJ Lagway, a true freshman, will be Florida’s full-time quarterback.
Mertz praised Florida supporters on social media for two incredible years in Gainesville. He promised to stay involved in the program and do whatever I can in meeting rooms and from the sideline to help my teammates win” while he recovered.
Mertz also suffered a fractured collarbone in the final game against Missouri last season, which ended his season. Instead of going into the NFL draft, he decided to return for the 2024 season.
After suffering a concussion in the season-opening defeat to Miami, he missed a Week 2 victory against Samford this season. Prior to moving to Florida, Mertz started his career at Wisconsin and was a three-year starter for the Badgers.
Mertz has tossed for six touchdowns and two interceptions in five games this season. In 15 of his 16 career starts at Florida, he tossed a touchdown pass, and he leads the nation in completion percentage (76.6).
In Week 2, Lagway, who had been sharing the field with Mertz for the majority of the season, started in place of the injured Mertz and completed 456 yards of passes. Lagway forced overtime with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Chimere Dike on third-and-19 in the closing seconds of the Tennessee game.
Lagway was the eighth-ranked talent overall and the nation’s top-rated quarterback by ESPN in the 2024 signing class.
On Saturday, the Gators (3-3, 1-2 SEC) will play Kentucky at home. They then face teams in the top 20 in the AP poll for four straight games, including three in the top 8 (No. 5 Georgia, No. 1 Texas, and No. 8 LSU).