Former Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz transferring to Florida
Amidst all the early signing period chaos, Florida landed a transfer portal quarterback on Wednesday, former Wisconsin Badger Graham Mertz, according to G. Allan Taylor of The Athletic.
Mertz spent three years as a starter for Wisconsin but failed to live up to some lofty expectations. He needed a fresh start and Florida provided the right amount of opportunity while raising his profile as an NFL draft piece. Mertz will immediately enter a quarterback battle with Ohio State transfer Jack Miller III who started just one game for the Gators during his first year in Gainesville.
Behind Miller is true freshman Jaden Rashada. Billy Napier simply needed more options at quarterback for the upcoming season and Mertz fits the bill. Well, not exactly. Mertz is far from the dual-threat Anthony Richardson was, and Napier has proven through his recruiting that he prefers a mobile quarterback. Miller has some legs, but Mertz has a negative rushing total over three years as a starter.
Mertz is a good stopgap for Billy Napier and Co., and he could easily declare for the draft after a year to make way for Rashada and DJ Lagway. He certainly has the experience to win the starting job, even if his 38-to-26 touchdown-to-interception ratio in Wisconsin leaves something to be desired.
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