This decision comes despite the dazzling performance of true freshman DJ Lagway against FCS Samford over the weekend.

Lagway, who stepped in for Mertz after he suffered a concussion in Week 1 against Miami, delivered an outstanding performance as he completed an impressive 72% of his passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns. His remarkable debut gave Florida fans a glimpse into what the future could hold in Gainesville.

However, Napier remains steadfast in his decision to turn back to Mertz, who entered the season as the team's starter and undisputed leader. With 45 games under his belt and 43 starts split between his time with Florida and Wisconsin, Mertz brings a wealth of experience to the field. Last season, he threw for a career-high 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Gators.

Although Mertz is set to reclaim the reins of the offense, Napier was clearly impressed by Lagway's performance and acknowledged his potential role within the team moving forward. The head coach praised Lagway's abilities, referring to him as one of the best players in the entire country and highlighting his previous accolades as the Gatorade National Player of the Year.

Looking ahead, it will be intriguing to see how Napier manages the quarterback position throughout the season. With two consecutive 3-5 finishes in conference play, Florida is determined to make a strong comeback. The team faces a challenging schedule, adding further complexity to the quarterback decision.

In their Week 3 matchup, the Gators will host Texas A&M this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the game set to be televised on ABC. All eyes will be on Mertz as he takes charge of the offense once again, while Lagway may still see playing time as Florida explores the potential of this talented young quarterback.

Coach Napier's decision to stick with Mertz as the starting quarterback sends a clear message about the team's direction and reliance on experience. Nonetheless, the emergence of Lagway has undoubtedly brought excitement and a promising future to the Gators' quarterback position.