Watch: Graham Mertz Addresses Transfer to Florida, Fit in Gators Offense

Quarterback Graham Mertz discusses his transfer to Florida with reporters for the first time, as well as his fit in the Gators' offense.

Zach Goodall | Mar 27, 2023

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Florida Gators

Photo: Graham Mertz; Credit: University of Florida athletic communications

New Florida quarterback Graham Mertz met with reporters for the first time on Saturday, March 25, to discuss an array of topics including his winter transfer into the program and why he pursued a change of scenery, his fit and belief in Gators head coach Billy Napier's offense, and much more.

You can watch a portion of Mertz's introductory press conference in the video above, with footage provided by the University of Florida's athletic communications.

A rising fifth-year redshirt junior from Overland Park, Kan., Mertz transferred to UF from the University of Wisconsin in Dec. 2022 following three seasons as the Badgers' starting quarterback, citing the need for a "fresh start" via the transfer portal on Saturday.

Mertz produced a completion percentage of 59.1, 5,332 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, 26 interceptions and eight rushing touchdowns across 32 games in the first-team role. Wisconsin put together a 19-13 record in that stretch, although it took home trophies for victories in the Duke's Mayo Bowl (2020) and Las Vegas Bowl (2021) with Mertz behind center.

Although he's widely viewed as the frontrunner to start at quarterback for the Gators in 2023, Mertz is currently competing with fourth-year redshirt sophomore Jack Miller III for the role in UF's spring camp. Redshirt freshman Max Brown, a two-sport scholar-athlete who joined Florida baseball this offseason, is also involved in the competition.

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Published Mar 27, 2023

ZACH GOODALL

Zach Goodall is the publisher of AllGators.com on FanNation-Sports Illustrated, serving as a beat reporter covering football, recruiting, and occasionally other sports since 2019. Before moving to Gainesville, Zach spent four years covering the Jacksonville Jaguars for SB Nation (2015-18) and Locked On Podcast Network (2017-19), originally launching his sports journalism career as a junior in high school. He also covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for FanNation-Sports Illustrated (2020-22). In addition to writing and reporting, Zach is a sports photographer and videographer who primarily shoots football and basketball games, practices and related events. When time permits in the 24/7 media realm, Zach enjoys road trips, concerts, golf and microbreweries.