Graham Mertz’s football journey has taken an unexpected but inspiring turn. The former Florida Gators quarterback entered the 2024 season with high hopes of boosting his NFL Draft stock, eyeing a Day 2 selection. He was named the starter and carried the weight of expectations in Gainesville. However, things didn’t go as planned. Mertz struggled in early matchups against Miami and Texas A&M, and his season—and college career—came to a sudden halt with a torn ACL suffered during the game against Tennessee.
Despite the challenges, Mertz’s NFL dreams didn’t fade. The Houston Texans selected him in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a testament to his grit and potential. On May 8, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported that Mertz agreed to a four-year, $4.9 million rookie contract with the Texans. While he’s expected to begin his pro career as a backup to rising star C.J. Stroud, who led Houston to a 10-7 record and a playoff win over the Chargers, the opportunity marks a promising new chapter for the former Gator.
Back in Gainesville, the Gators are making moves of their own. Florida has agreed to a $1.2 million deal with Florida Atlantic University to open the 2026 season on September 6. The game will take place in The Swamp and serves as a rematch of their 2021 meeting, when Florida claimed a 35-14 victory. The deal includes a provision that allows cancellation if the SEC adopts a nine-game conference schedule, a possibility that has gained momentum in recent years. Nonetheless, the financial commitment reflects Florida’s continued status as a powerhouse program that can draw in-state opponents with major payouts.
Looking even further ahead, Florida has added two additional non-conference opponents for the 2027 season. South Alabama is scheduled to visit on September 4, followed by Charleston Southern on September 11. These games, while not marquee matchups, are valuable for building early-season momentum and offering developmental reps for younger players.
The convergence of Mertz’s personal success and Florida’s forward-thinking scheduling highlights a period of transition and opportunity for the program. While the 2024 season didn’t meet expectations on the field, the Gators are laying the groundwork for the future—both by helping players reach the next level and by lining up opponents that bring value, exposure, and financial strength. From a $1.2 million game deal to a $4.9 million NFL contract, Florida football is proving it’s still a major player
