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LOOK: Florida Gators officially welcome QB Graham Mertz in grand fashion

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh12/28/22griffin_mcveigh
On3 image
Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images

Florida head coach Billy Napier potentially has his quarterback, snagging Graham Mertz out of the NCAA transfer portal. A former top recruit, Mertz originally played for the Wisconsin Badgers but never saw things work out. Mertz saw Paul Chryst fired midseason and left just after Luke Fickell was named his replacement.

Now, the goal will to be win the starting job for the Gators beginning next season. Mertz had just been considered a commitment until Wednesday when Florida officially announced his addition to the squad.

They did so in grand fashion by putting Mertz on a mock cover of SLAM magazine, with the quarterback dawning the No. 5. It’s a new era for both him and Florida, looking for a vast improvement in Year Two of Napier.

You can check out the full post here.

More on Graham Mertz, commitment to Florida

Florida will be looking to replace Anthony Richardson, who is off to the NFL Draft. That will make two quarterbacks in as many years for Napier, with a potential battle ensuing during spring and fall practice.

Jack Miller was brought into the program a year ago, coming in from Ohio State. However, he does not have any starting experience in college football, spending his time as a backup.

Mertz played in 34 games during his time with Wisconsin, throwing for 5,405 yards 38 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions. He has been in college football since the 2019 season and will be entering his fifth season.

A jump up to the SEC will be a challenge but Napier has faith.

Mertz was ranked a four-star prospect coming out of high school but just three stars after entering the transfer portal. The On3 transfer portal rankings had him as the No. 13 quarterback and is currently the third highest currently committed to an SEC program.