Billy Napier and the Florida Gators are reportedly adding a nice piece at the quarterback position for the 2023 season. According to The Athletic’s G. Allan Taylor, former Wisconsin starting quarterback Graham Mertz will transfer to Gainesville.

Mertz was a multi-year starter for the Wisconsin Badgers, and he threw for 2,136 yards and 19 touchdowns during the 2022 season. The former Badgers signal caller announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal on December 4 amidst a coaching change in Madison, and he visited Gainesville earlier in December.

This is a key piece for Napier and the Gators offense, as Anthony Richardson is leaving for the NFL. Yes, Jack Miller returns and 5-star high school signal caller Jaden Rashada will sign with Florida Wednesday; however, adding a seasoned starting quarterback was crucial for Napier.

During 4 seasons at Wisconsin, Mertz completed 460-of-773 passes for 5,405 yards, 38 touchdowns and 26 interceptions.

Exiting high school in the class of 2019, Mertz was the No. 3 pro-style quarterback and the state of Kansas’ No. 1 overall prospect, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings. He was rated a 4-star by the recruiting service, as well as being touted as the nation’s No. 65 overall prospect for the recruiting class.