Billy Napier addresses Florida's plan for rotation between Graham Mertz, DJ Lagway

The Florida Gators have been willing to use multiple quarterbacks in games this season. Now, head coach Billy Napier shared the plan for the way he’ll rotate his signal callers moving forward.

Napier explained that the plan is going to be to set a rotation between the sixth-year senior Graham Mertz and true freshman DJ Lagway, but from there be able to adjust to the flow of the game like he did against Mississippi State.

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“We adjust. I think we didn’t count the possession right before half where we handed off an outside zone,” Billy Napier said. “You know, I think we started the half with Graham. So, we’re going to adjust based off what we think is right. But I think week to week we’ll set the rotation.”

Graham Mertz started for Florida in 2023 and came into the 2024 season as the starter again. However, Lagway, a five-star recruit in the Class of 2024, had to fill in for him when he suffered a concussion. With that, the two-quarterback system began in Gainesville.

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“I think ultimately for me, what I don’t want is a guy to be playing cautious,” Napier said. “I want him to do what he’s supposed to do, have confidence in the play, be aggressive, and then they’re working together and not looking over their shoulder worrying about if I screw up. I just don’t think that’s good for either player.”

Mertz and Lagway are very different quarterbacks. While Mertz has more experience and has seen just about everything college football can throw at someone, Lagway is the one who has undeniable arm talent and athleticism to elevate the offense.

This season, Mertz has completed 42 of 56 pass attempts for 487 yards and four touchdowns to two interceptions. He’s also rushed for 34 yards on 10 carries. Then, for his part, Lagway has completed 34 of 51 passes for 617 yards and four touchdowns to three interceptions. On the ground, he’s rushed for 38 yards on 16 carries.

“Now, if they were very similar in experience and age, you know, then — and it was a true competition, then I think we probably would treat it that way. But we would make that decision in camp. I think here we’ve got a very unique dynamic. You got a guy who is one the best quarterbacks in the country. Then you got it young player who undoubtedly brings a level to the team that I think can help the team be better.”

Next up for Florida is a non-conference game against the UCF Knights. Coming off a bye, Billy Napier had plenty of time to make sure both quarterbacks are confident for the matchup.