Florida Gators Football News: Graham Mertz Signs, New Opponents Added, More
The Florida Gators football program is undergoing significant transitions as it prepares for the 2025 season. Key developments include quarterback Graham Mertz’s entry into the NFL, updates to the upcoming schedule, and strategic adjustments within the team.
Graham Mertz Signs with Houston Texans
Graham Mertz, the Gators’ starting quarterback for the 2023 and part of the 2024 seasons, has been selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, picked 197th overall. Mertz transferred to Florida from Wisconsin and quickly became a pivotal figure in the Gators’ offense. In the 2023 season, he achieved career highs with 2,903 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a 72.9% completion rate, setting a school record for consecutive passes without an interception .
Despite a promising start in 2024, Mertz’s season was curtailed by injuries, including a concussion and a torn ACL, limiting him to five games. Nevertheless, his leadership and performance earned him the 2024 GatorMade Danny Wuerffel “Man of the Year” award, recognizing his exemplary character and influence both on and off the field .
2025 Schedule: New Opponents and Key Matchups
The Gators have finalized their 2025 football schedule, featuring a mix of traditional rivals and new opponents. The season kicks off on August 30 with a home game against Long Island University (LIU), marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs. This game replaces the previously scheduled matchup against Florida A&M .
Other non-conference games include hosting South Florida on September 6, traveling to face Miami on September 20, and concluding the regular season with a home game against Florida State on November 29. These matchups continue Florida’s tradition of in-state rivalries and are expected to draw significant attention .
In Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, the Gators will host Texas on October 4, marking the Longhorns’ first visit to Gainesville since 1940. Additional home games include Mississippi State on October 18 and Tennessee on November 22. Florida’s SEC road games feature trips to LSU on September 13, Texas A&M on October 11, Kentucky on November 8, and Ole Miss on November 15. The annual neutral-site game against Georgia is scheduled for November 1 in Jacksonville .
Team Outlook and Leadership Transition
With Mertz’s departure, the Gators face the challenge of identifying a new starting quarterback. The team will look to its roster for potential leaders to step up and fill the void left by Mertz’s experience and leadership. Head Coach Billy Napier has emphasized the importance of developing young talent, noting the significant contributions from freshmen in recent seasons .
The 2025 season presents an opportunity for the Gators to build upon their recent experiences, integrate new talent, and navigate a competitive schedule. As the team adapts to changes and prepares for the upcoming challenges, the focus will be on fostering growth, resilience, and a renewed pursuit of excellence on the field.
