The 2024 campaign didn't go according to plan for Graham Mertz. The quarterback started the year for the Gators, hoping to boost his draft stock to become a Day 2 pick in the NFL Draft. But he had poor games against Miami and Texas A&M, then tore his ACL against Tennessee.
But those setbacks didn't stop Mertz from getting drafted in the 6th round by the Houston Texans, and it was reported yesterday by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston that Mertz and Houston had agreed to a four-year deal worth $4.9 million.
Mertz will more than likely backup C. J. Stroud. The Texans went 10-7 in 2024, won their Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Chargers before losing to Kansas City.
New Opponents Added For Florida Football For 2026 and 2027
The Gators have an opponent to open the 2026 season on September 6. Florida is going to open with Florida Atlantic, according to FBschedules.com.
The contract for the game is worth $1.2 million to FAU, but does include a provision in case the SEC moves to a nine-game slate instead of eight.
The two schools last played in 2021, where Florida won 35-14.
In 2027, the Gators have added South Alabama and Charleston Southern to the schedule on September 4 and September 11, respectively.
Like FAU, the South Alabama game includes a provision in case the SEC moves to nine games.
Gator Assistants Get Raises
The Gainesville Sun has reported on the contract details for Florida's assistant coaches heading into 2025.
Running backs coach Jabbar Juluke and executive head coach Ron Roberts are the big winners, and both received big raises heading into 2025. Juluke will make $650,000 this year, up $200,000 from last season. Roberts will make $950,000, which is also a $200,000 increase from 2024.
Defensive line coach Gerald Chatman also got a similar bump and will make $775,000 in 2025, up from $575,000 in 2024.
Russ Callaway is also a winner and received a $125,000 raise from $550,000 to $675,000. That will increase to $725,000 in 2026.