Report: Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz Tests Positive for COVID-19

Mertz completed 20 of 21 passes for 248 yards and five touchdowns in Wisconsin's 45-7 victory over Illinois on Friday.

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jeff Potrykus. 

On Sunday night, Wisconsin issued a statement saying it will not release "COVID-related testing information regarding any individual student-athlete, due to medical privacy."

The school also said no one who played in Friday's season opener tested positive before the game or reported having symptoms beforehand.

"Wisconsin Athletics continues to conduct daily antigen testing for the student-athletes, coaches and selected support staff associated with the Badger football program," the statement said. "Individuals who receive a negative antigen test result continue to participate in team activities. Individuals who receive a presumptive positive antigen test result are removed from team activities and are required to take a PCR test to confirm positivity."

Mertz shined for the Badgers in Wisconsin's opening-night win over Illinois on Friday. The redshirt freshman completed 20 of 21 passes in the 45-7 victory, throwing for 248 yards and five touchdowns. 

Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz is going OFF in his first career start 😳

14/14
190 yards
4 TDs

And it’s only the first half..
(via @CFBONFOX)pic.twitter.com/MqavexFNCx

— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) October 24, 2020

Mertz could still play next week against Nebraska if he registers just one positive test, though a second test will force him to sit out at least 21 days, per Big Ten protocol. He reportedly will take a second test to determine if his first one was a false positive.

Mertz was slated to be Wisconsin's backup quarterback as the Badgers prepared for their season opener. Starting quarterback Jack Coan underwent foot surgery on Oct. 7, but he hopes to return at some point in 2020. 

Wisconsin currently sits No. 9 in the AP Poll. The Badgers will face Nebraska on Saturday, with kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m. ET.