The college football transfer portal is chaotic right now, with many big names taking their talents to new schools. And late on Tuesday night, a former Big Ten starting quarterback has reportedly made a decision on his next school.
Former Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz will transfer to play college football for the Florida Gators, according to G. Allan Taylor of The Athletic.
Taylor — who covers the SEC and Gators for The Athletic — tweeted, “Sources tell The Athletic that Wisconsin transfer QB Graham Mertz plans to commit to Florida.
Sources tell The Athletic that Wisconsin transfer QB Graham Mertz plans to commit to Florida. pic.twitter.com/yiIubEKF9b
— G. Allan Taylor (@GAllanTaylor) December 21, 2022
Mertz played four years at Wisconsin and was the Badgers’ starting quarterback for the last three seasons. He still has two years of eligibility remaining. On Dec. 4, he announced that he would enter the transfer portal.
— Graham Mertz (@GrahamMertz5) December 4, 2022
In 2022, the 6’3″, 227-pounder threw for a career-best 19 touchdown passes and a career-best 2,136 yards, while tossing 10 interceptions. While he’s not known for his rushing ability, he’s also run for eight touchdowns over the last three seasons.
The Badgers went 4-3 in — the COVID-shortened — 2020 with Mertz as starting quarterback, capped off by a Mayo Bowl victory over Wake Forest. He led Wisconsin to a 9-4 record and Las Vegas Bowl win over Arizona State in 2021.
Wisconsin has fallen off a bit in 2022, however, going 6-6 with a Guaranteed Rate Bowl game still to come against Oklahoma State; it’s still unclear who will start for the Badgers in that game.
Mertz joins a Florida team that went 6-7 in 2022; the Gators lost the Las Vegas Bowl to No. 14 Oregon State, 30-3. Florida’s (primary) starting quarterback this season, Anthony Richardson, announced recently that he’ll enter the 2023 NFL Draft.