Graham Mertz Injury Update, What Happened to Graham Mertz?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Nov 22, 2023
Graham Mertz Injury Update
Florida head coach Billy Napier provided a positive update on the injury to Gators starting quarterback Graham Mertz's left collarbone. Mertz sustained a nondisplaced fractured left collarbone during the game against Missouri in Week 12. According to Napier, a secondary scan has shown potential for the fracture to heal on its own, and the team will 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.
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 struggled to meet expectations during his four seasons at Wisconsin but found success under Napier's offensive system. In his redshirt junior campaign with the Gators, he achieved career highs in completion percentage (72.9%), passing yards (2,903), and touchdowns (20), while minimizing interceptions (3). Mertz's impressive performance earned him recognition on the Davey O'Brien Award watch list and Quarterback Class of 2023.
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.
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
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)
Graham Mertz
Graham Mertz Career
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.
Graham Mertz Early Life
Graham Mertz's early life and high school career laid the foundation for his promising journey in football. He spent his first two years at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas, where he actively played high school football. During this time, Mertz served as the backup to all-state quarterback Carter Putz. His talent and dedication to the sport became evident.
In a pivotal move before his junior year, Mertz transferred to Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, Kansas. This decision proved to be a turning point in his high school career, as he led Blue Valley North to a Class 6A state championship during his junior year and guided the team to state runner-up honors in his senior year.
Mertz's standout performance in his senior season included completing 61.1% of his passes for an impressive 3,886 yards and setting a state record with 51 touchdowns.
His exceptional skills and achievements did not go unnoticed, earning him recognition as a finalist in the Elite 11 quarterback competition in 2018. Mertz was also honored as the Gatorade Kansas Football Player of the Year, a testament to his impact on the high school football scene in the state.
Mertz's excellence as a high school quarterback was further highlighted when he received an invitation to the All-American Bowl after his senior season. In this prestigious bowl game, he set a record with five touchdown passes and was rightfully named the game MVP, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on a national stage.
His outstanding high school career catapulted Mertz into the college football recruiting spotlight, where he earned a four-star rating from prominent sources such as ESPN, 247Sports.com, and Rivals.com.
ESPN specifically recognized him as the best pocket passer in the class of 2019 and the 21st highest-rated recruit overall. In the 247Sports Composite, Mertz was ranked as the third-highest rated pro-style quarterback, the top-rated recruit in Kansas, and the 65th highest-rated recruit overall. On October 9, 2017, Mertz committed to playing football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, marking the beginning of his collegiate football journey.
Graham Mertz Family Background
Graham Mertz, born on December 6, 2000, hails from a sports-oriented family. His parents, Ron Mertz and Amy Mertz, welcomed him into the world, and his father, Ron, notably contributed to the world of football as an offensive lineman at Minnesota during the years 1989 to 1992. This familial connection to football likely played a role in shaping Graham's early exposure and interest in the sport.
Beyond Graham's own football pursuits, his family boasts additional athletic achievements. Notably, his two sisters, Lauren and Mya, both made their mark in college basketball. Lauren showcased her skills at Kansas State, while Mya pursued her basketball career at Drake. The Mertz family's athletic prowess extends across multiple disciplines, indicating a rich sporting heritage and a shared passion for competition and excellence within the family.
Graham Mertz Age
As of 2023, Graham Mertz is 22 years old, reflecting a relatively young age in the context of his accomplished football career. Despite his youth, Mertz has already made significant strides, showcasing his talent and leadership as a quarterback for both Wisconsin and the Florida Gators.
His achievements at such a young age underscore his promising future and potential for continued success in collegiate football. Mertz's age positions him as a dynamic force in the sport, with ample time ahead to further leave his mark on the game and solidify his legacy.
Graham Mertz Achievements
Graham Mertz has earned notable achievements during his collegiate football career in the Big Ten Conference. In 2020, Mertz's outstanding performance as the starting quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers garnered him recognition within the conference.
He was honored with the title of Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his exceptional contributions during that season. This accolade reflected his impact on the offensive side of the game and highlighted his ability to make significant plays for his team.
In addition to being named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week, Mertz also received the title of Big Ten Freshman of the Week in 2020. This recognition underscores not only his overall prowess as a quarterback but also his standout achievements as a freshman in a competitive conference.
Being acknowledged as a standout freshman in the Big Ten is a testament to Mertz's skill, leadership, and impact on the field early in his collegiate career.
These accolades showcase Mertz's contributions to the Wisconsin Badgers and his ability to make a mark in one of the most competitive conferences in college football, the Big Ten.
Graham Mertz Stats
2019
2
0
0–0
9
10
90.0
73
7.3
0
0
151.3
2
6
3.0
0
2020
7
7
4–3
118
193
61.1
1,238
6.4
9
5
125.2
36
38
1.1
2
2021
13
13
9–4
169
284
59.5
1,958
6.9
10
11
121.3
37
-25
-0.7
4
2022
12
12
6–6
164
286
57.3
2,136
7.5
19
10
135.0
50
-40
-0.8
2
2023
10
10
5–5
247
337
73.3
2,720
8.5
18
2
163.7
41
-59
-1.4
2
Career
42
40
24−16
630
996
63.3
7,302
7.3
50
28
135.8
166
-80
-0.5
10
Season
Games Played (GP)
Games Started (GS)
Record
Passing Comp
Passing Att
Passing %
Passing Yards
Avg
Passing TD
Passing Int
Passer Rating
Rushing Att
Rushing Yards
Avg
Rushing TD
What Happened to Graham Mertz?
Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a nondisplaced fractured left collarbone against Missouri in Week 12. Head coach Billy Napier provided a positive update, suggesting the fracture could potentially heal without surgery based on a secondary scan's results. Despite the optimistic outlook, Mertz will miss the regular-season finale against Florida State, and if the Gators fail to secure bowl eligibility, the injury could conclude his season.
This setback comes amid Mertz's impressive redshirt junior campaign, where he demonstrated significant improvement after transferring from Wisconsin. His absence will see redshirt freshman Max Brown step in for the Gators, facing off against the Seminoles in a crucial matchup.
Graham Mertz Injury Update - FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.