Steve Spurrier makes case for Graham Mertz to start over DJ Lagway vs. Texas A&M

With 24 hours to go before Florida’s game against Texas A&M, all eyes remain on the Gators’ quarterback situation. Graham Mertz was off the first two injury reports – indicating he’s good to go – but the question for Billy Napier is whether DJ Lagway should start after his strong showing against Samford.

During an appearance with Paul Finebaum on Friday, a Florida legend weighed in. Steve Spurrier was asked why he would start Mertz over Lagway, and he pointed to experience as a key factor.

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Mertz got the start in the season opener against Miami, but a late injury meant Lagway had to come in the rest of the game. Florida then held the former Wisconsin quarterback out against Stanford and let the freshman start, and it’s leading to more calls for Lagway to stay QB1. According to Spurrier, though, Mertz’s experience and familiarity with the team should allow him to at least start against Texas A&M.

“He’s the older guy,” Spurrier said of Mertz on The Paul Finebaum Show. “He’s the senior guy – he’s been here two, three years, something like that. So he’s been around the guys a little bit longer. They’re a little bit, maybe, more comfortable. But they like DJ, also. No big deal.

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“Let [Mertz] go out there first, see how it goes. But in the back of your mind, we know DJ’s got to get in there sometime. Just try to make a good decision on when he gets in there.”

Steve Spurrier: DJ Lagway ‘needs to play’

Spurrier, of course, has plenty of experience running a two-quarterback system. That was a staple of his offenses during his time as the head coach at his alma mater. But earlier Friday, he also pointed out the need for Lagway to also get some run as he goes through his freshman season.

“I don’t know who’s going to start or whatever, but he needs to play. How much? We’ll see,” Spurrier said on Another Dooley Noted Podcast.

Spurrier also pointed out Lagway’s skillset, which helped make him a Five Star Plus+ prospect and the No. 3 overall player from the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. His ability to run stands out, though, which is why the Ol’ Ball Coach thinks he’ll be a special player.

“DJ Lagway got a chance to show he can really play, that was encouraging,” Spurrier said. “He can make all the throws plus he can run. The more I watch football nowadays, if your quarterback can’t run a bit, I don’t know how you win.”