MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz says his confidence hasn’t wavered even during an offseason in which Oklahoma transfer Caleb Williams‘ name got mentioned as his potential replacement.
Mertz is now working with a new receiving corps and new offensive coordinator as he attempts to gain consistency and live up to the lofty expectations that accompanied his arrival.
“My confidence never really has gotten tested to the point where I doubt myself,” Mertz said. “It’s a bad thing to ever doubt yourself or have that lack of confidence. For me, it’s how can I prove to myself every day that I’m evolving into the quarterback I want to be.”
Mertz is the highest-rated quarterback prospect to sign with Wisconsin during the era of recruiting websites. He went 20 of 21 and threw five touchdown passes – tying a school single-game record – while leading Wisconsin to a 45-7 victory over Illinois in his first career start back in 2020.
But he’s been up and down since, with Wisconsin’s fortunes often resting on how well he protects the football.
Mertz owns a 13-7 record as a starter. In the 13 wins, Mertz has thrown 16 touchdown passes with four interceptions. In the seven losses, he has thrown 12 interceptions and three touchdown passes.
Those so-so results might explain why Wisconsin was considered a potential destination when Williams entered the transfer portal after a stellar freshman season at Oklahoma. The connection got enough attention that Badgers fans chanted “We want Caleb” during a Wisconsin-Minnesota men’s basketball game in late January.
Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said he kept Mertz informed of the situation as Williams pondered a decision before eventually choosing Southern California. Chryst noted that he never had any personal discussions with Williams.
Mertz had no hard…
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