Former Wisconsin starting quarterback Graham Mertz made the Houston Texans’ 53-man roster on Tuesday.
First reported by the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Alexander, the news arrived following the league’s roster-cut deadline on Tuesday afternoon. Mertz will officially suit up as the organization’s third-string pass-thrower behind starter C.J. Stroud and backup Davis Mills.
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Mertz is the second former Badger to secure a spot on a 53-man roster on Tuesday, joining undrafted offensive lineman Joe Huber of the Minnesota Vikings. Wisconsin alumni Tanner Mordecai (49ers), Quintez Cephus (Texans) and Trey Wedig (Rams) failed to make 53-man groups for their respective teams ahead of the deadline.
The former Badger signal-caller earned the No. 3 spot after a preseason battle against former Pitt and USC quarterback Kedon Slovis. Mertz’s strong performance in the Texans’ final preseason game against the Detroit Lions appears to have solidified his position in the locker room ahead of the 2025 regular season.
Across three preseason bouts, Mertz completed 23 of 32 pass attempts for 174 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Following a 27-yard, three-interception output against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 9, he bounced back with 14 completions for 145 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions against Detroit on Aug. 23.
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Mertz will now look to display the same type of talent he did as a Badger and Florida Gator when he suits up for the Texans this season. The team opens its season against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 7 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football Graham Mertz makes Houston Texans active roster