Florida’s special teams unit is preparing for a significant change in 2026, highlighted by punter Alec Clark being named to the Ray Guy Award preseason watch list. The award honors the nation’s top collegiate punter. Clark, a redshirt junior, joins the Gators after spending last season at Tulane under coach Jon Sumrall, where he averaged 46.5 yards per punt.
He is expected to replace Tommy Doman, who departed for the Buffalo Bills after being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, former Florida quarterback Graham Mertz faces uncertainty with his current team, the Houston Texans. Mertz, who served as the Texans’ third-string quarterback in 2025, aimed to improve his standing during the preseason. However, he exited Houston’s opening preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers after completing four of seven passes for 23 yards.
Reports indicate the Texans believe Mertz suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a non-contact play while scrambling. If confirmed, this would likely end his 2026 season. The injury adds to a recent history of physical setbacks for the quarterback.
He previously tore his ACL in 2024 during his time at Florida, which concluded his collegiate career. Prior to that, he dealt with a concussion early in the 2024 season and a broken collarbone late in the 2023 campaign.
