The Best Thing to Ever Happen”: DJ Lagway Opens Up About Powerful Bond With Ex-Gators QB Graham Mertz, Now in Houston.
DJ Lagway had big shoes to fill the moment he made the decision to step onto the gridiron as a quarterback for the University of Florida. With a deep history of high-caliber playmakers at the position, there were heavy expectations for Lagway, who had already made a name for himself as a five-star recruit. But for all the accolades, achievements, and attention Lagway garnered as a rising star, one of the most important relationships he formed at Florida was with someone who had a much different college journey: Graham Mertz, the former starting quarterback for the Gators.
Mertz, now playing for the Houston Cougars after transferring from Florida, may have finished his college tenure with a complex mix of highs and lows, but his time at UF left a lasting impression on Lagway. What started as a mentor-mentee relationship blossomed into a strong friendship that would shape the trajectory of Lagway’s own development. Now, as Lagway embarks on his freshman season with the Gators, he looks back on the lessons he learned from Mertz, the bond they shared, and the impact it had on his growth as both a player and a person.
For Lagway, Mertz represents something more than just a former Gator quarterback. He became a symbol of resilience, of navigating the ups and downs of college football, and of the type of leader one can be, regardless of how things unfold on the field. The powerful bond between the two quarterbacks is a testament to the importance of mentorship, not just in football, but in life.
When DJ Lagway first arrived at the University of Florida, expectations were sky-high. He was touted as one of the top quarterback recruits in the nation, with the skills to immediately make an impact in Gainesville. However, like any young player stepping onto a competitive roster, Lagway quickly realized that talent alone wasn’t enough to guarantee success. What he needed was guidance—a blueprint for how to navigate the immense pressure of being the face of the program.
Enter Graham Mertz.
Mertz had his own fair share of ups and downs as a quarterback at Florida. Transferring from Wisconsin, Mertz had hoped to find success in Gainesville after an inconsistent career with the Badgers. In his first season as the Gators’ starting quarterback, Mertz showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency at times. Still, his work ethic, leadership, and ability to remain composed in adversity were qualities that Lagway admired from day one.
“It didn’t matter what was happening on the field,” Lagway reflects. “Graham always had the right mindset. He was one of the hardest-working guys I’d ever met. He showed me what it takes to stay focused when things aren’t going your way, and that kind of mentality helped me a lot as a freshman.”
Lagway admired Mertz not just for his football IQ, but for how he carried himself in the locker room, during practices, and off the field. Despite the pressure surrounding Florida’s quarterback position, Mertz was never one to shy away from being a leader. For Lagway, having Mertz around provided a unique opportunity to witness first-hand what it took to handle such a high-profile role.
“I learned a lot from him, just watching him interact with his teammates and how he handled pressure,” Lagway says. “It made me realize that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest or most vocal guy. Sometimes, it’s about leading by example, and Graham definitely did that. I owe a lot to him.”
As much as Mertz’s on-field performance influenced Lagway, it was his mental toughness that left a profound mark. The nature of college football means that few players ever have smooth sailing, and Mertz had faced his share of critics and challenges. Yet, he never allowed external noise to dictate his approach to the game. That resilience became something Lagway aspired to embody, both in practice and in games.
Mertz’s ability to handle adversity with grace was something Lagway tried to emulate throughout his freshman year. While Lagway was still adjusting to the college game, Mertz’s example reminded him that setbacks didn’t define a player; it was how they responded that mattered.
“I saw the way Graham was able to stay calm even when things didn’t go as planned. I think that’s something that every quarterback should try to learn. You can’t get rattled,” Lagway explains. “That’s a big reason why I try to stay focused and calm now, no matter what happens.”
Mertz, too, recognized the growth he had seen in Lagway. He admitted that part of the reason he felt so invested in the young quarterback was because he saw so much of his own potential reflected in him.
“DJ is a special player. He’s got everything you want in a quarterback—strong arm, quick decision-making, and the ability to read defenses,” Mertz says. “But the one thing that stands out to me the most is his mentality. He’s always focused on improving, never satisfied with where he’s at. I think that’s going to carry him really far in his career.”
When Mertz decided to transfer to Houston following the conclusion of his career at Florida, it wasn’t the end of his relationship with Lagway. Instead, it marked a new chapter in the bond between the two quarterbacks. Mertz may have left Gainesville, but the lessons he imparted on Lagway stayed with him, even as Lagway took on the role of Florida’s starting quarterback.
“It was tough when Graham left,” Lagway admits. “But we stayed in touch. He’s still someone I can reach out to when I need advice, whether it’s about football or life. He’s been there for me since day one, and that’s something I really appreciate.”
For Mertz, the feeling is mutual. Despite being in Houston, Mertz continues to follow Lagway’s progress at Florida, often offering words of encouragement or tips when needed.
“I’m always in his corner,” Mertz says. “DJ’s a hard worker, and I have no doubt he’ll do great things at Florida. He’s got everything it takes to succeed, and it’s been amazing to watch his growth.”
The bond between the two quarterbacks wasn’t just about football; it was about mutual respect, understanding, and the willingness to help one another grow. It became a relationship that transcended the competitive nature of college football, proving that mentorship and support can flourish even in a high-stakes environment.
As Lagway looks ahead to the future, he does so with a sense of confidence that was cultivated during his time at Florida with Mertz. The lessons about leadership, mental toughness, and perseverance have all shaped him into the quarterback he is today. With his eyes set on leading the Gators to success, Lagway feels the weight of the expectations, but he’s no longer burdened by them. Instead, he’s motivated by them.
“I’ve learned so much from Graham and everyone else here at Florida,” Lagway says with determination. “I’m ready for whatever comes next, and I’m going to keep working hard every day to be the best I can be for this team.”
Mertz’s departure from Florida may have signaled the end of his time as a Gator, but the influence he had on Lagway’s development is far from over. Their bond remains unbroken, a testament to the power of mentorship and the lasting impact a strong relationship can have on a young player’s journey.
“I’ll always be thankful for what Graham did for me,” Lagway reflects. “He’s not just a teammate or a mentor. He’s a friend. And having a guy like that in your corner? That’s the best thing that could ever happen to anyone.”
As Lagway steps into his own role as the face of the Florida Gators, he does so with the strength of his bond with Mertz behind him. And while the future remains unwritten, one thing is for sure: the lessons learned and the friendship built in Gainesville will be a guiding force for Lagway as he seeks to leave his own legacy on the field.
