Gators QB Graham Mertz tears ACL, done for season

Florida starting quarterback Graham Mertz's season -- and college career -- is over after sustaining a knee injury in Saturday's loss to No. 11 Tennessee.

Mertz went down with a non-contact injury in the third quarter after throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham. The sixth-year senior landed awkwardly after the throw and reached for his leg before limping to the sideline.

He did not return to the game and was seen on crutches. Freshman DJ Lagway replaced Mertz.

"Thank you for two incredible years in Gainesville," Mertz, 23, wrote in a statement posted to X on Monday.

"Unfortunately, I suffered a torn ACL against Tennessee and will miss the remainder of the season. During my recovery, I will remain a part of the program and do whatever I can in meeting rooms and from the sideline to help my teammates win.

"I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support during this time."

Thank you, Gator Nation ?? pic.twitter.com/8pKEbwaos6

— Graham Mertz (@GrahamMertz5) October 14, 2024

Mertz completed 11 of 15 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown for Florida before the injury. Lagway was 9-of-17 passing for 98 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the Gators' 23-17 overtime loss to the Volunteers.

For the season, his second with Florida, Mertz completed 76.6 percent of his passes for 791 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. He's thrown for 9,099 yards with Wisconsin (2019-22) and the Gators and has no eligibility remaining.

The Gators (3-3, 1-2 SEC) host Kentucky (3-3, 1-3) on Saturday night in Gainesville.

--Field Level Media