Florida's Mertz out for season with torn ACL

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL on Saturday against Tennessee, head coach Billy Napier announced Monday.

True freshman DJ Lagway is expected to take over as the Gators' starting quarterback.

Mertz, a sixth-year senior, threw for 791 yards and six touchdowns against two interceptions in five games this season.

Lagway had 98 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Florida's loss to the Volunteers. The five-star quarterback has appeared in all six of Florida's games, completing 65.3% of his passes for 765 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions.

Florida's SEC schedule continues with a matchup against Kentucky in Week 8.