Pro Football Focus bullish on QB room for Florida Football

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the quarterback position remains arguably the most important of any successful program. As teams gear up for the 2024 season, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has ranked the nation's signal-callers, and their verdict on the quarterback room for Florida Football is will have one of the better QB rooms in the country.

PFF's latest rankings place the Gators' duo of Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway seventh among all 134 FBS teams. This lofty placement positions Florida's quarterback situation among the elite, suggesting that the analytical powerhouse sees immense potential in Gainesville.

The high ranking is particularly noteworthy given the complexities of evaluating modern college quarterbacks. With the transfer portal in full swing, assessing a quarterback's value has become a challenge. Mertz, a transfer himself, is entering his second year with the Gators after an injury-shortened 2023 campaign that showed flashes of brilliance.

PFF's optimism likely stems from the belief that Mertz, now fully acclimated to head coach Billy Napier's system, is poised for a breakout season. His familiarity with the playbook, coupled with growing rapport with his receivers and offensive line, could translate into the kind of performance that elevates Florida's offense.

But PFF's ranking isn't just about Mertz. The arrival of true freshman DJ Lagway, the Gatorade National Player of the Year, has injected further excitement into the Gators' quarterback room. Lagway's high school accolades and impressive spring game performance have PFF analysts impressed with his potential, even as a first-year player.

The synergy between the experienced Mertz and Lagway seems to be at the heart of PFF's bullish outlook. Whether Lagway sees significant playing time in 2024 or redshirts to learn behind Mertz, PFF clearly believes the Gators have a potent one-two punch under center.