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Five previous times Florida Football unexpectedly turned to their backup QB

Graham Mertz has a torn ACL and is out for the season

By Benjamin Henderson

Dec 30, 2019; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Kyle Trask (11) drops back to attempt a pass against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Dec 30, 2019; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Kyle Trask (11) drops back to attempt a pass against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images / Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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With the news that Graham Mertz is done for the season with a torn ACL, Florida Football will turn to DJ Lagway to finish the 2024 campaign. This is not the first time in recent history the Gators have lost their starting QB season due to injury or suspension and the following is the previous five times the Gators have had to turn to their backup QB to finish out the season.

Note that this list is for unexpected replacements and doesn't factor in bowl game opt-outs (like Anthony Richardson sitting out the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl), situations like those in 2021 where Richardson was rotated in for a healthy Emory Jones, or in 2014 when Jeff Dirskel was straight up benched

2023

The unfortunate part for Mertz is that this is not the first time he has been unable to close out a season due to injury. As we all remember, he broke his collarbone last season against Missouri and was forced to miss the season finale against FSU.

In his place to close out the Missouri game was Max Brown, who was a 4th and 17 away from etching his place in Gator lore forever. Brown wasn't as effective against FSU, and was held to 9/16 passing for 86 yards and -5 yards rushing.

Brown transferred to UNC Charlotte after the season, while Mertz came back for the 2024 campaign.

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