Florida QB Graham Mertz has 3-word reaction for teammates following thrilling win over FSU

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz being sidelined with an ACL injury didn’t stop him from joining the celebration after the Gators’ 31-11 win over the Florida State Seminoles. He took to Instagram to repost a story from wide receiver Chimere Dike, adding his heartfelt three-word caption:

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"Brother's for LIFE!"

Screenshot via IG/@graham_mertz5

The Gators delivered a statement win, powered by running back Montrell Johnson’s 65-yard touchdown run as part of his 99 rushing yards. Jadan Baugh, Johnson’s backup, also chipped in with 81 yards on the ground.

Quarterback DJ Lagway stepped up with two touchdown passes while completing 14 of 22 attempts for 133 yards. On the defensive side, Florida was unstoppable, recording eight sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and recovering five fumbles. Coach Billy Napier called the defensive showing “lights out,” as the Gators capitalized on turnovers to secure short-field scoring opportunities.

The victory was important for Napier as it was his first over the Seminoles in three attempts. Florida’s purple patch came late in the season, including wins against LSU, Ole Miss, and now FSU. Outside the locker room, cigars lit up the night as players and staff celebrated the long-awaited rivalry triumph.

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2025 NFL Draft ft. Graham Mertz

Mertz is highly likely to ply his services in the NFL next year. His collegiate career had a sad ending when he suffered a season-ending ACL injury against the Tennessee Volunteers on October 12. The sixth-year senior underwent surgery immediately but revealed that he won’t be putting on the Gators jersey anymore.

As far as the NFL is concerned, Mertz’s NFL Draft stock largely hinges on his recovery and pre-draft performances. Scouts will closely analyze his pro day and NFL Combine showing as teams like the Saints and Panthers evaluate quarterback options.

Mertz’s stats back up his hype: 9,099 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, and a 73.5% adjusted completion rate over 50 games. However, there are durability concerns looming around Mertz, who’s evolved as a player during his time at Florida, particularly under Napier’s system. Napier praised Mertz’s contributions, saying:

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"Not only his production on the field but also just his impact on the team as a whole—his leadership, work ethic, and self-discipline.”

For now, Graham Mertz is projected as a backup QB and faces skepticism regarding his long-term starting potential. His transition to the next level will be a story to watch as the 2025 NFL Draft begins on April 24.

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