Wisconsin transfer Mertz joins Florida

Former Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz has transferred to Florida, he announced Wednesday on Instagram.

Mertz, a three-year starter, announced his intention to transfer on Dec. 4. The redshirt junior threw for 2,136 yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2022.

Once a prized recruit, Mertz made waves when he became the highest-rated quarterback to sign with Wisconsin out of high school in 2019. The former Army All-American Bowl MVP started 32 games for the Badgers, though he never lived up to the lofty expectations that accompanied him to Madison.

Mertz, the top-ranked pocket passer in his recruiting class, completed 59.5% of his passes for 5,405 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions over his Wisconsin career. He made two appearances as a true freshman in 2019 before taking over as the starter ahead of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Mertz will head to a Florida program looking to crown a new starter in 2022 after Anthony Richardson bypassed his senior campaign to enter the NFL draft.

The Gators also have Jack Miller, a former Ohio State transfer, in their quarterback room. Miller went 13-for-22 for 180 yards in the Las Vegas Bowl, which marked his lone action of the season.

Florida is coming off a 6-6 regular season in head coach Billy Napier's first year at the helm. The SEC school fell to Oregon State in the postseason.