Graham Mertz vs. Cam Ward: A ChatGPT Breakdown on Which Quarterback is Better

When it comes to college football, the quarterback is at the center of any team’s success. Deciding who should lead your team can be the difference between a championship run and a rebuilding season. With the Florida/Miami game only a week away, I wanted to evaluate the numbers to decide which quarterback is a better choice to lead a team, Graham Mertz or Cam Ward. To help make this decision, I consulted an unbiased and unlikely source—ChatGPT.

Here’s how the comparison unfolded.

Graham Mertz entered the 2023 season with a chip on his shoulder after transferring from Wisconsin to Florida. Mertz quickly silenced any doubters by delivering career-high numbers across the board. His efficiency was off the charts: completing 72.9% of his passes, throwing for 2,903 yards, and maintaining a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 20:3. Mertz set several program records for the Gators, including consecutive passes without an interception and completion percentage. His leadership on the field was evident, especially in clutch moments like the comeback victory over South Carolina, where he threw for a career-high 423 yards.

On the other side of the field, Cam Ward brings a different kind of energy. Ward, a consensus top-three transfer quarterback for 2024, joined the Miami Hurricanes with a reputation for being an elite passer with a knack for big plays. Ward’s 2023 season was highlighted by his ability to stretch the field—he averaged 311.1 passing yards per game, which ranked fourth nationally. However, his style came with risks. Ward led the nation in fumbles lost (seven) and threw seven interceptions, raising questions about his decision-making under pressure.

The ChatGPT Analysis

I asked ChatGPT to help me decide between these two quarterbacks, using their stats and playing styles as the basis for the comparison.

Here’s how the AI broke it down:

Graham Mertz was described as a consistent, reliable quarterback who excels in efficiency and decision-making. His ability to perform under pressure was a standout, with a 64.3% adjusted completion rate when the heat was on. Mertz was praised for his leadership and for making smart, safe plays—qualities that are often undervalued but crucial in tight games. While not the most mobile QB, Mertz’s experience and record-setting performances gave him the edge as a dependable starter.

Cam Ward, on the other hand, was characterized as a high-risk, high-reward player. Ward’s ability to make explosive plays downfield made him an exciting option, particularly for a team that wants to light up the scoreboard. However, his turnover issues and inconsistency under pressure (with an adjusted completion rate under pressure of just 47.4%) were concerning. Despite his mobility and big-play potential, Ward’s tendency to make mistakes in critical situations was a red flag.

The Verdict

After weighing the pros and cons, ChatGPT concluded that Graham Mertz would be the safer and more reliable choice for a Division 1 football team. Mertz’s consistency, leadership, and ability to avoid turnovers were deemed more valuable than Ward’s big-play potential, especially in a sport where one bad decision can cost you the game.

However, the AI also noted that if a team’s offensive scheme required a more dynamic quarterback who could extend plays with his legs and wasn’t afraid to take risks, Cam Ward might be the better fit—provided his turnover issues could be managed.

Conclusion

In the end, the choice between Graham Mertz and Cam Ward comes down to what you value more as a coach: consistency and smart play versus explosive potential with a side of risk. Mertz offers stability and proven leadership, making him a strong candidate to lead a team deep into the season. Ward brings excitement and big-play ability but would require careful management to avoid costly mistakes.

Fans won't have to wait long to see how these two quarterbacks measure up against each other. Next week, Graham Mertz and Cam Ward will go head-to-head as Florida takes on Miami at 3:30 on Saturday.