Florida QB Graham Mertz Named to Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, Class of 2023

In the midst of a breakout campaign, Florida quarterback Graham Mertz has been named to the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award watch list and the trophy's Class of 2023.

Photo: Florida quarterback Graham Mertz; Credit: Alex Shepherd

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz was one of 35 players named to the Class of 2023 for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award on Tuesday, the trophy's foundation announced, following his automatic joining of the prize's watch list after making its "Great 8 List' for his Week 7 performance. 

His solidified contention for the honor comes amidst a breakout campaign in his first season with Florida, after transferring into the program from Wisconsin this past offseason. 

Mertz has produced an SEC-best 75.9% completion rate through eight games, which is also good for third-best among FBS quarterbacks.

With 2,127 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions on the year, Mertz is nine yards away from a single-season career-high, and his 7-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio is a striking improvement from the 1.5-to-1 career-mark compiled in 32 starts prior to 2023. 

The redshirt junior has thrown a touchdown pass in all of his starts with Florida and in 23 of his last 26 games. He's thrown multiple touchdown passes in four consecutive games, against Kentucky, Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Georgia. 

Mertz's admirable performance has come despite inconsistent protection from Florida's offensive line throughout the campaign, as he's been sacked 23 times through eight games, nearly three times per contest. 

"I think he's done a really good job," former Gators quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and Florida Football Ring of Honor member Tim Tebow told All Gators about Mertz on Friday. "I've been super impressed with him in a lot of different ways. 

"His poise when he could have gotten frustrated ... He's continued to fight and battle and hasn't flinched. You could see his moxie and his presence but you could also see his toughness and I really like that." 

Semifinalists will be revealed for the award on Nov. 14. Following a fan vote, finalists will be named on Nov. 28. After a second round of fan voting, the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback of the Year will be announced on Dec. 8.

Below is the full midseason watchlist for the Davey O'Brien Award, with quarterbacks listed in alphabetical order by their last name.

Drew Allar, Penn State, So.

Carson Beck, Georgia, Jr.

Davis Brin, Georgia Southern, Sr.

Brady Cook, Missouri, Jr.

Jayden Daniels, LSU, Sr.

JT Daniels, Rice, Sr.

Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, Jr.

Quinn Ewers, Texas, So.

Dequan Finn, Toledo, Jr.

Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma, Sr.

Darren Grainger, Georgia State, Sr.

Frank Harris, UTSA, Sr.

Sam Hartman, Notre Dame, Sr.

Mikey Keene, Fresno State, So.

Zac Larrier, Air Force, Sr.

Drake Maye, North Carolina, So.

Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina, Sr.

J.J. McCarthy, Michigan, Jr. 

Jordan McCloud, James Madison, Sr.

Kyle McCord, Ohio State, Jr.

Graham Mertz, Florida, Jr.

Jalen Milroe, Alabama, So. 

Bo Nix, Oregon, Sr. 

Michael Penix Jr., Washington, Sr.

Michael Pratt, Tulane, Jr.

Austin Reed, Western Kentucky, Jr.

Kaidon Salter, Liberty, So.

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, Jr.

Preston Stone, SMU, So.

Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland, Sr.

Jordan Travis, Florida State, Sr.

DJ Uiagalelei, Oregon State, Jr.

Tyler Van Dyke, Miami, Jr.

Cameron Ward, Washington State, Jr.

Caleb Williams, USC, Jr.

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