According to a report, Florida will rotate its quarterbacks regularly in the game against Mississippi State.

The news was announced by ESPN’s broadcast team on Saturday. According to the report, Graham Mertz will still get most of the playing time, but DJ Lagway will get every third series. He is expected to be on the field for UF’s 3rd, 6th and 9th series.

It’s an interesting choice for Florida coach Billy Napier, who also rotated Mertz and Lagway against Texas A&M last weekend. Mertz played better in that game, but Lagway is still widely viewed as the quarterback of the future in Gainesville.

According to Napier, the reason for the regular QB rotation is so that Mertz and Lagway don’t have to “look over their shoulders” after every series. In theory, this plan allows them to more freely take advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

Napier says this morning they will stick with a specific rotation for quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway. He doesn’t want them “looking over their shoulder.”

— David Waters – Gators Recap (@GatorDave_SEC) 21 September 2024

It’s still an unconventional decision for Napier, who is certainly on the hot seat in his third year. This weekend may be Florida’s best chance to win an SEC this season. Mississippi State is fresh off a crushing loss to Toledo.