Former Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz says he's returning to Florida next season

Former Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz will be back for one more go-round with Florida next season, announcing he'd return for his sixth season of eligibility next year.

Mertz started 11 games this year, his first season since transferring out of the Wisconsin program, though a broken collarbone kept him out of last weekend's game against Florida State, when the Gators battled unbeaten Florida State tough before succumbing in a 24-15 loss.

Mertz threw for a career-best 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns this season at Florida after four seasons seeing the field for Wisconsin. Mertz was able to keep his redshirt after appearing in just two games in 2019, and he played in seven games during the COVID-19 season of 2020, including an unforgettable first career start against Illinois.

Though the Badgers didn't reach their own lofty expectations and Mertz himself didn't reach the high bar that came attached with his high-profile recruiting status, he did throw for more than 5,400 yards in a Badgers uniform with 38 touchdowns and wins in three bowl games. He transferred after the 2022 season with the arrival of a new coaching staff in Madison.

The Gators finished the year 5-7, dropping their final five games, but they played six games against nationally ranked foes this year and did get a win against No. 11 Tennessee early in the season. Mertz was injured Nov. 18 against new No. 11 Missouri, a narrow 33-31 loss.

The Gators will also be welcoming in five-star quarterback D.J. Lagway next season; he's expected to officially sign on with the Gators on Dec. 20.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ex-Badgers QB Graham Mertz announces return to Florida in 2024