Graham Mertz’s college football career is over.
The Florida senior quarterback suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the 23-17 Week 7 overtime loss to No. 11 Tennessee and will miss the remainder of the season. Gators coach Billy Napier announced that Mertz will undergo surgery to repair the tear and miss the remainder of the season.
“He’s having surgery next week, and it’s only right that I say how much I appreciate and am grateful to Graham, in terms of everything he’s brought to the table,” Napier told reporters during his press conference on Monday.
“For our team, it’s not just his production on the field, but his impact on the team as a whole, his leadership, the work ethic, the example, the self-discipline.”
Mertz suffered the injury in the third quarter after throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham that gave Florida a 10–0 lead. As he moved backwards, his left leg seemed to land poorly on the grass. The sixth-year QB was on crutches and wore a knee brace during the fourth quarter.
“Unfortunately, I suffered a torn ACL against Tennesse and will miss the remainder of the season while recovering,” Mertz said in a statement posted on social media. “I will continue to be a part of the program and do what I can in meeting rooms and from the sidelines to help my teammates win.”
Florida QB Graham Mertz throws the TD pass, but grabs his leg in pain after the play and was visibly upset as he staggered to the sideline
That’s not good pic.twitter.com/nRMfAHIhGd
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) October 13, 2024
Mertz was in his second and final season of eligibility at Florida after playing four years for Wisconsin. With the Gators, he completed 74% of his passes for 3,694 yards, 26 touchdowns and five interceptions in 16 games.
His 2023 season was also cut short by injury, suffering a broken collarbone against Missouri in the penultimate game of the schedule. After the season ended, Mertz announced he would return to Gainesville for another year.
This year, Mertz missed the Week 2 game against Samford after suffering a concussion in the season opener against Miami. Freshman DJ Lagway played that game and will take over as Florida’s starting QB for the remainder of the season.
Lagway played in six games this year and threw for 753 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. He has completed 65% of his passes.
Florida (3-3) will host Kentucky (3-3) in Gainesville next Saturday at 7:45 PM ET. That precedes a tough four-game stretch in which the Gators will face No. 5 Georgia, No. 1 Texas, No. 8 LSU and No. 18 Ole Miss.
