The Florida Gators are facing a significant setback as head coach Billy Napier confirmed that starting quarterback Graham Mertz will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL. This unfortunate injury occurred during the team’s recent overtime battle against No. 8 Tennessee, which ended in a 23-17 loss. Mertz suffered the injury late in the third quarter after delivering a 13-yard touchdown pass, ultimately leading to his exit from the game.

Following the injury, Napier emphasized Mertz’s contributions to the team, highlighting not just his on-field performance but also his leadership and work ethic. “Graham has been invaluable to our program,” Napier stated, expressing gratitude for Mertz’s impact on the Gators and the University of Florida as a whole. Mertz himself expressed his appreciation to the Gator Nation, assuring fans that he intends to remain engaged with the team during his recovery.

In the game against Tennessee, Mertz had shown promising performance, completing 125 passing yards along with one touchdown. However, after the injury, he was seen leaving the field on crutches, marking an unfortunate end to his season. This injury follows another challenging season last year, where Mertz had to sit out the final game due to a collarbone injury. Over his two seasons as the Gators’ starter, he has consistently been plagued by injuries that have cut his playing time short.

With Mertz sidelined, the Gators will turn to freshman DJ Lagway as their new starting quarterback. Lagway has already demonstrated his capabilities, notably throwing a game-tying touchdown in the tense moments of the recent match. Coach Napier expressed confidence in Lagway’s potential, noting his ability to perform under pressure and his readiness to step up during critical moments in the game.

As the Gators prepare for their upcoming match against Kentucky, Lagway will take the reins as the team looks to rally and build momentum in the wake of Mertz’s injury. This matchup promises to be a pivotal moment for both Lagway and the Gators as they aim to navigate through the challenges of the season ahead.