Graham Mertz on finding Florida in transfer portal: 'This is the place I need to be'

The whole point of the NCAA transfer portal is to allow student athletes more opportunities to succeed. It doesn’t always work out that way — but in Graham Mertz‘s case, his commitment to Florida out of the portal this time last year has been exactly what he’s needed.

It’s been such a perfect fit that Mertz has decided to run it back for a second season under head coach Billy Napier. Joining On3’s Andy Staples on Wednesday, Mertz explained exactly why his commitment to Florida has been, in his eyes, a perfect marriage over the last year.

“I think back to my time like in the portal and the uncertainty of where I was going — it happened so quick,” Mertz told Staples. “I came down here and met with the coaches, met with the staff and I was like, ‘this is the place I need to be.’ And for me coming in and just seeing how much time, effort and energy they put into me and in developing me from the start, it was it was all about work and that’s what this whole year was about.

“So it’s been it’s been absolutely awesome, exceeded my expectations. I mean, I love this place with all of my heart. And that’s why it was an easy — or not an easy decision — but how I ended up getting to that decision and coming back to Florida.”

Mertz finished his first season in Gainesville having thrown for 2,903 yards while completing nearly 73 percent of his passes (261-358) while throwing 20 touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

After Florida defeated South Carolina in comeback fashion down 10 points in the fourth quarter, Mertz said that — at least up to that points — was the most fun that he has ever had playing football. Instead of focusing on stats and numbers, he has consumed himself with being a team player and helping his team win.

While that didn’t always turn out to be the case, Mertz helped lead Florida to a 5-6 record through 11 starts in 2023. He missed the final game of the season against rival Florida State thanks to an injury to his collarbone but is expected to be a full participant in spring training.

The Gators did not earn the opportunity to play in a bowl game after finishing the season with a 5-7 record — but Florida already has an eye on the future in the wake of Mertz’s announcement.