In the world of college football, injuries can have a profound impact on a team’s season and a player’s career. One such injury that has recently captured attention is the nondisplaced fractured left collarbone suffered by Florida Gators’ starting quarterback, Graham Mertz. In this article, we will delve into the details of Graham Mertz’s injury, the potential implications for his season, and his journey in the world of collegiate football.
The Injury Update
Florida head coach Billy Napier provided a positive update on the injury to Graham Mertz’s left collarbone. The injury occurred during the game against Missouri in Week 12 of the college football season. According to Napier, a secondary scan has shown potential for the fracture to heal on its own. The team will closely monitor the situation over the next two weeks before making a final determination on whether surgery is needed.
Napier expressed optimism after the latest scan, stating, “We took another image yesterday and felt good about that image. You know, we’re basically gonna go in a two-week period here where we’re going to give a chance for the fracture to start the process of growing back, and then we’ll re-evaluate things.” Despite the positive outlook, Mertz will not be available for Florida’s regular-season finale against No. 4 Florida State. If the Gators lose the game and miss out on bowl eligibility, the injury would naturally become season-ending for Mertz.
Mertz’s Reaction
Napier acknowledged Mertz’s disappointment, highlighting his competitive spirit and commitment to contributing to the team in any way possible during his recovery. The setback comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Mertz, who had been enjoying a career revival since transferring to Florida from Wisconsin earlier in the year.
Mertz’s Journey
Graham Mertz’s collegiate football career has been marked by noteworthy achievements, challenges, and a transfer to the Florida Gators. In 2019, Mertz, a highly anticipated recruit, found himself in competition for the starting quarterback position at Wisconsin against junior Jack Coan after the departure of Alex Hornibrook. Despite being described by ESPN as Wisconsin’s “most hyped QB since Russell Wilson,” Mertz initially lost the starting job to Coan and redshirted his true freshman season.
Mertz’s opportunity to shine came in 2020 when Jack Coan was injured before the season. Mertz made a memorable debut, starting as the quarterback in the season opener against Illinois. He set records, completing 17 consecutive passes and finishing the game with a remarkable 20-for-21 and five passing touchdowns, earning him Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. However, his promising start was interrupted when he tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of two subsequent games.
Returning after recovery, Mertz’s performance varied in the following games, with Wisconsin facing both victories and losses. In the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Wake Forest, Mertz played a key role in the 42–28 win, but his celebration took an unexpected turn as he accidentally dropped and shattered the glass football trophy in the locker room.
Mertz continued to play a pivotal role for Wisconsin during his redshirt sophomore season in 2021, leading the team to a 9–4 record and a victory in the Las Vegas Bowl. He threw for 1,958 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions during the season.
In his redshirt junior season in 2022, Mertz maintained his role as the starting quarterback, guiding the Badgers to a 6–6 regular season record. Notably, in a game against Northwestern, he achieved a career high with 299 passing yards and five touchdown passes. Mertz concluded the season with 2,136 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
However, on December 4, 2022, before Wisconsin’s bowl game, Mertz announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. This decision marked a significant shift in his collegiate journey, as he subsequently joined the Florida Gators in the spring semester of 2023. As Mertz continues his football career with the Gators, his experiences at Wisconsin have undoubtedly shaped the trajectory of his collegiate football.
Who is Graham Mertz?
Graham Mertz is a talented American football quarterback currently playing for the Florida Gators. Before joining the Gators in 2023, Mertz gained notable experience as the starting quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers. His decision to transfer marked a significant chapter in his collegiate career, bringing him to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and under the coaching of Billy Napier.
Mertz, recognized for his prowess on the field, showcased his skills in his redshirt junior campaign with the Gators. Notably, he achieved career highs in completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdowns, demonstrating his adaptability and growth under Florida’s coaching staff. The quarterback’s dynamic playstyle and contributions have positioned him as a key player for the Gators, and his journey continues to unfold as he navigates the challenges and successes of collegiate football in the competitive SEC.
| Name | Graham Mertz |
|---|---|
| Born | December 6, 2000 |
| Born Place | Overland Park, Kansas, U.S. |
| Age | 22 |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Class | Redshirt Junior |
| Major | Retailing & Consumer Behavior |
| Team | Florida Gators |
| Jersey No. | 15 |
| College | Wisconsin (2019–2022)
Florida (2023–present) |
| Bowl Games | 2020 Duke’s Mayo Bowl
2021 Las Vegas Bowl |
| High School | Blue Valley North (Overland Park) |
The Replacement
With Mertz sidelined, redshirt freshman Max Brown is set to take over as the starting quarterback for Florida against Florida State and potentially beyond if the Gators reach the postseason. Brown had a solid performance in relief of Mertz during the Missouri game in Week 12.
The upcoming matchup against Florida State will feature backup quarterbacks for both teams, as Jordan Travis, the star signal-caller for the Seminoles, is also sidelined with a lower leg injury. Redshirt junior Tate Rodemaker will step in as the starting quarterback for Florida State in the Sunshine State Showdown on Saturday. The Florida vs. Florida State game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
FAQs
1. What is the latest update on Graham Mertz’s injury?
As of the latest update, Graham Mertz suffered a nondisplaced fractured left collarbone against Missouri in Week 12. Florida head coach Billy Napier provided a positive update, indicating potential healing without surgery based on a recent scan.
2. Will Graham Mertz be available for Florida’s regular-season finale?
No, Graham Mertz will not be available for Florida’s regular-season finale against Florida State. His injury rules him out of this crucial matchup, and the timeline for his return will be assessed over the coming weeks.
3. Could Graham Mertz miss the entire season due to the injury?
If the Gators lose the game against Florida State and fail to secure bowl eligibility, Graham Mertz’s injury could potentially conclude his season prematurely. The severity of the injury and recovery progress will influence this outcome.
4. How has Graham Mertz performed in the 2023 season prior to the injury?
Before the injury, Graham Mertz had an impressive redshirt junior campaign with the Florida Gators. He completed 72.9% of his passes for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, reaching career highs in several categories.
5. Who will replace Graham Mertz in the upcoming games?
In Graham Mertz’s absence, redshirt freshman Max Brown is set to take over as the starting quarterback for the Florida Gators. Brown had a brief appearance against Missouri in Week 12 after Mertz exited the game.
In conclusion, Graham Mertz’s injury is a significant development in the world of college football. His journey, from Wisconsin to Florida, has been marked by challenges and achievements, and his absence will test the depth of the Florida Gators’ quarterback position. As fans await further updates on his recovery, the college football landscape continues to evolve with its share of surprises and setbacks.
