Former quarterback Graham Mertz has signed a four-year, $4.9 million deal with the Houston Texans after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Mertz is expected to back up C.J. Stroud
The Gators have also added new opponents to their schedule for 2026 and 2027. They will open the 2026 season on September 6 against Florida Atlantic University, with the contract worth $1.2 million to FAU. In 2027, the Gators have added South Alabama and Charleston Southern to the schedule on September 4 and September 11, respectively.
Additionally, the Gators’ assistant coaches have received significant raises. The notable increases include Running Backs Coach Jabbar Juluke to $650,000, up $200,000 from 2024, Executive Head Coach Ron Roberts to $950,000, up $200,000 from 2024, Defensive Line Coach Gerald Chatman to $775,000, up $200,000 from 2024, and Russ Callaway to $675,000, up $125,000 from 2024, increasing to $725,000 in 2026.
