Mertz named Florida's starting QB ahead of season

Fifth-year redshirt junior and Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz will be Florida's starting quarterback for the 2023 season, head coach Billy Napier announced Friday.

"The big thing I've been impressed with is just his ability to come in and learn the system, translate what he knows and apply that to our system. And then just, you know, relentless in approach," Napier said of Mertz, according to Zach Goodall of AllGators.com.

Mertz was considered the front-runner for the job for most of the offseason. Florida's quarterback depth chart also features fourth-year redshirt sophomore Jack Miller - a former Ohio State transfer who started the Las Vegas Bowl for the Gators - and redshirt freshman Max Brown.

Mertz joined Florida from Wisconsin in December. The signal-caller, who started three seasons with the Badgers, completed 57.3% of his passes for 2,136 yards and 19 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in his final year with the Big Ten school.

Florida began looking for a new starting passer after Anthony Richardson bypassed his senior season to enter the NFL draft. The Indianapolis Colts drafted Richardson fourth overall in April.

The Gators are coming off a 6-6 regular season in their first year under Napier. They fell to Oregon State in the postseason.

Florida kicks off its 2023 campaign on the road against Utah on Aug. 31.