Who will replace projected first round NFL draft pick Anthony Richardson as Florida quarterback?

Gators fans will get their first look at who will fill Richardson's cleats Thursday night as the UF football team hits the field for the annual Orange and Blue Game.

Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz and redshirt sophomore Jack Miller, who was Florida's starting QB in the Las Vegas Bowl last December, are competing to be under center for the Gators' Week 1 game against Utah in August. Head coach Billy Napier has said he would not make a decision on a starter until after the spring game.

Some other names to watch on offense Thursday are wide receiver Xzavier Henderson and running back Trevor Etienne, who both have speed and the ability to make big plays.

If you can't make it to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the Orange and Blue Game this year, here's how to catch the action from home.

Live updates:The latest from the Florida Gators 2023 Orange and Blue spring football game

Heading to UF's spring football game?Here's what you need to know

Florida NIL news:Say hello to Florida Victorious, UF's new leading NIL entity

When and where is the 2023 Orange and Blue Game?

When: 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday, April 13

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

How can I watch the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Game?

Live stream: ESPN+/SECN+ (subscription required)

How can I listen to the Florida spring football game on the radio?

The Florida Orange and Blue game ended with a kick, with Trey Smack connecting on a 46-yard field goal with one second left to lift the Orange Team to a 10-7 win over the Blue Team before 42,000 on Thursday night at The Swamp.

It ended as the lowest-scoring spring game in Florida history. The game wrapped up 15 days of spring practices.

"Not as clean as you would like today, but I think the defense probably had a lot to do with that," Florida coach Billy Napier said. "But overall, really proud of this group. It's been a very productive offseason."

Napier said the game would have gone to overtime had Smack missed the kick.

New QBFlorida football: 5 things to know about Gators QB Graham Mertz

Practice takeawaysFlorida football: 3 quick takeaways from spring practice 14

Spring changeupFlorida football: Billy Napier open to playing opponent in spring game

Eye on the enemy:Listen Now! Breaking down the Seminoles ahead of April 15 Garnet and Gold spring game

"Our guys are competitors," Napier said. "They wouldn't have wanted to see this game end tied."

Here are five takeaways from the game:

No separation in QB competition

Quarterbacks Jack Miller and Graham Mertz both had some positive moments while missing other throws.

Miller led the Blue Team to the first touchdown of the game, directing the second-team offense on a 12-play, 82-yard drive, capped by a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Burke.

"This year I felt a lot more prepared for it. I felt a lot more comfortable out there," Miller said. "I feel like I played a little bit better than I did last year. Still not as good as I would have liked, but definitely seeing improvement."

Mertz got off to a slow start — he was sacked twice on a three-and-out in his first series — and passed for just 7 yards in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Mertz heated up, passing for 136 yards and a TD. He found wide receiver Ricky Pearsall downfield for a 41-yard completion late in the second quarter and connected with wide receiver Kahleil Jackson to tie the score at 7-7.

Mertz also had a red-zone drive stall earlier in the second quarter with back-to-back incompletions at the 6-yard line. The drive ended when Smack missed a 24-yard field goal attempt that hit the left upright.

"I'm definitely not satisfied with it," Mertz said of his performance. "We did do some good things. I think that skill players made a lot of plays. Ricky right before halftime made a great catch on the sideline."

Mertz finished 18-for-29 for 244 yards and a TD. Miller was 10-for-20 for 144 yards and a TD. Mertz worked with the first-team offense in the first half, while Miller worked with the first-team offense in the second half.

"Both guys did some good things, and I think there was going to be a lot of things that each guy can learn from," Napier said.

Max Brown, the third scholarship quarterback on Florida's roster, went 1 of 4 for 13 yards. Napier said following the game the Gators will be in the market for a fourth scholarship quarterback in the transfer portal, which opens Sunday.

"That process is underway to some degree," Napier said. "I think we'll know more pretty soon. That's what I would say in that regard. Yes, we anticipate adding a player to our team at that position."

An up-and-down day for Florida's wide receivers

Pearsall led all of Florida's wide receivers with four catches for 62 yards. Burke also had a strong night with two catches for 55 yards and a TD, including an acrobatic 39-yard catch along the sideline.

But Xzavier Henderson and true freshman Aidan Mizell each had two drops. Sophomore receiver Caleb Douglas had two catches for 51 yards, including a nice 28-yard catch and run, but lost the ball on a fumble in the red zone at the end of the play.

Some early enrollees flash

Several freshman early enrollees took the field and some stood out.

Edge rusher T.J. Searcy had a big night on defense with six tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery. Linebacker Jaden Robinson, a former Columbia High standout from Lake City, had seven tackles and one sack.

Freshman running back Treyaun Webb had a game-high 53 yards on 11 carries, while freshman receiver Andy Jean had two catches for 28 yards and two kickoff returns for 58 yards.

Some offensive line issues with protection, shotgun snaps

With starting center Kingsley Eguakun out due to an injury, Jake Slaughter started at center for the Orange team, while freshman early enrollee Rod Kearney started for the Blue team. It was a rough night for Kearney, who had three botched snaps, including one that was recovered for a fumble.

Florida's two offensive lines also combined to surrender seven sacks. Damieon George was solid as a starter at right tackle, while second-team right tackle Kiyaunta Goodwin was beaten on a sack. True freshman Knijeah Harris started at left guard and was solid throughout the game.

"We gave up pressures tonight," Napier said. "There's no doubt. The quarterback pressure, sacks, without question. I think some of that, the defense is contributing to that.

"You have new combinations of players as a result of a couple of guys being out. Overall, all very correctable. Just having stood out there behind it, I can tell you what happened.

"Some just flat-out individual matchups, defensive players winning, and some things from a schematic standpoint we can do to help the players."

A good night for the defense

Florida didn't show much on defense in the way of schemes under new defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong but still managed to make plays, finishing with eight sacks and two fumble recoveries.

"Coach Armstrong, he understands how to play us to our ability," said defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp, who finished with three tackles and one sack. "He helps us make plays and he puts us in position, but then he lets us be ourselves."

Safety Kamari Wilson forced a fumble in the first half on a catch and run by receiver Caleb Douglas, which was recovered by linebacker Shemar James.

Linebacker Scooby Williams had two tackles for loss.

Some new faces on defense stood out as well. Louisville transfer Caleb Banks had a sack, while fellow defensive lineman and Memphis transfer Cam'Ron Jackson had a pass breakup. Linebacker Mannie Nunnery, a Houston transfer, also made plays throughout the night with five tackles, two tackles for a loss and one pass breakup. Michigan transfer Duece Spurlock II had a team-high eight tackles.

"The defense did a good job tonight playing," Miller said. "I think they showed tonight — the new DC really showed that they're a legit defense. We see it every day in practice, so we weren't really too surprised."

Gator Sports

It's been four months since the Florida Gators football team last took the field against Oregon State at the Las Vegas Bowl. As many recall, it wasn't the best showing as Florida fell 30-3.

For the first time since that loss, the Gators are set to take the field tonight as Florida puts on its Orange and Blue Game, which is set to showcase what Billy Napier, his staff and the Gators have worked on during spring camp, which got underway in early March.

"Certainly, excited about all of the Gator Nation showing up," Napier said. "Really great opportunity, free admission, 7:30 under the lights, great weather, hopefully, and looking forward to watching what I think is a team that has worked extremely hard."

As Napier said, admission to Florida's spring game, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m., is free. However, those who aren't able to make the Thursday night showcase can catch the game on ESPN+ and SECN+ or listen on floridagators.com.

Readers can also follow along with the game as Gatorsports.com provides updates live from The Swamp below.

Looking back at spring game:5 takeaways from the Orange and Blue game

Defense shuts down offense:Florida Gators have more questions than answers after spring practice | Whitley

Florida football Orange and Blue Game:5 storylines entering Thursday's spring game

Florida NIL news:Say hello to Florida Victorious, UF's new leading NIL entity

9:55 p.m. | Team Orange wins on a last-second field goal

After missing his first two kicks from 24 and 47 yards out, Trey Smack splits the uprights from 46 yards out to lead Team Orange to a 10-7 win as time expires.

9:18 p.m. | Heading to the fourth

An uneventful third quarter comes and goes as neither offense manages to find the end zone in the third.

Both the Orange and Blue squads gear up for the final quarter of action as Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down" plays through The Swamp.

8:51 p.m. | Gators land 5-star commitment

Class of 2024 safety Xavier Filsaime, the second-ranked safety in the 2024 recruiting cycle, commits to Billy Napier and the Gators during half time of the spring game.

Filsaime ranks in the top 30 for 2024 recruits.

8:41 p.m. | Halftime

After one half of action, the Orange and Blue teams are knotted up at 7-7.

Play is set to resume in 15 minutes.

8:37 p.m. | Orange Team knots it up just before half

With just 13 seconds left to play in the first half, Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz finds Kahleil Jackson slanting towards the end zone, good for a 10-yard score. Trey Smack would follow with a successful PAT try.

The game is tied at 7-7 with 13 seconds to play in the first half.

8:10 p.m. | Blue Team scores

From 16 yards out, quarterback Jack Miller connects with Marcus Burke for the first score of the night. The Blue Team traveled 82 yards during the scoring drive. Adam Mihalek's PAT is good.

7-0, Blue over Orange with 8:48 to play in the second quarter

7:59 p.m. | End of the first quarter

It was a slow-rolling first quarter as both teams' offenses sputtered. Quarterbacks Graham Mertz (2-4) and Jack Miller (1-4) continue to share snaps for the Gators.

Meanwhile, both squads have combined for three sacks.

7:34 p.m. | Kickoff

Adam Mihalek, a member of the Blue team, kicks it away to the Orange team. Trevor Etienne returns it out to the 25-yard line.

7:28 p.m. | The Gators take the field

Using both tunnels, the Florida Gators take the field, running past Billy Napier, who was the first out of the home team tunnel.

7:25 p.m. | Lauren LeMasters is honorary Mr. Two Bits

The University of Florida's student body president Lauren LeMasters leads The Swamp in the Mr. Two Bits cheer ahead of tonight's Orange and Blue game.

7:00 p.m. | Nearly 300 recruits pile into The Swamp

While hosting the Orange and Blue Game on a Thursday night might not have been a popular choice for fans, it seems to be paying off on the recruiting front as Billy Napier and the Gators have 290 recruits in attendance for tonight's game.

Where and when is the 2023 Orange and Blue Game?

When: 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday, April 13

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

How can I watch the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Game?

Live stream: ESPN+/SECN+ (subscription required)

How can I listen to the Florida spring football game on the radio?

It's time once again for the Florida spring football game!

The format of the intrasquad exhibition game changed last year when Billy Napier took over as Gators head coach. The game moved to Thursday night and returned to the standard football game format.

This year's Orange and Blue Game will be fans' first chance to see the 2023-24 football team. Fans will get their first taste of the upcoming football season with the traditions, the food and, of course, the football before the home opener Sept. 9.

Here's everything you need to know about the spring game, from the pregame festivities to the giveaways to expect at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium:

Live updates:The latest from Florida Gators 2023 Orange and Blue spring football game

Who's on Orange and who's on Blue?Here are the rosters for the Florida spring game

Preseason football?Billy Napier open to playing opponent in spring game

NIL dealing:Say hello to Florida Victorious, UF's new leading NIL entity

When is the Florida spring game?

The Orange and Blue Game begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Those who can't make it to the stadium can watch the action on ESPN+.

What will the Orange and Blue Game look like?

The Gators broke off into two squads and practiced separately for the last week of camp, and those two teams will face each other in the Orange and Blue game. They will even use both the home and visitor locker rooms to replicate the feeling of a regular-season game.

The game will be played in four 15-minute quarters. There will be a running clock except for the final four minutes of each quarter. The clock also will stop for penalties, changes of possession and scores.

How much is Florida Gators spring game admission?

The spring game is free! Gates open at 6 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. start time.

Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 15 and 18 will be open for fans. Free general admission seating will be in the west and east stands, as well as the lower north and south end zones. Students should enter the stadium via gates 12 and 15.

Parking for Florida spring football game

All non-reserved parking on campus, including Flavet Field, Lots 114 and 109 and the Stephen C. O'Connell Center garage, will be available starting at 3:30 p.m. Parking on the grass and sidewalks is not permitted.

Free shuttles from Parking Garage 109, at Archer Road and Gale Lemerand Drive, begin at 5:30 p.m. The shuttles will run until about 60 minutes after the game ends. The shuttle dropoff and pickup location is on Stadium Road and Gale Lemerand Drive, near UF Gator Dining.

For more details, see the map.

Note: The following roads will be closed from 5:30 p.m. through about 60 minutes after the end of the game:

Will there be a Gator Walk at the Orange and Blue Game?

There sure will! Players will arrive at the north side of the stadium for their traditional entrance beginning at 5 p.m.

The Gators typically participate in Gator Walk prior to each home game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, giving fans — as well as the families of many UF players — a chance to cheer on Florida prior to the competition commencing.

What other events will take place for the Orange and Blue Game?

Gators Fan Fest begins at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free for the event on the North Lawn along University Avenue just outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Fan activities will include games, contests, giveaways, interactive displays and more.

All the usual in-game traditions will take place, too. "Mr. Two Bits" will be Lauren McMasters, UF student body president. Between the third and fourth quarter, fans will sing "I Won't Back Down," which began in 2019 as a tribute to Gainesville native Tom Petty after the musician's death. Fans can download the Gators Mobile App and join the Gator Lights Show during the song.

Fans will get plenty of chances to win prizes, too. All fans in attendance will receive one free entry into the Gators 50/50 raffle, with the ability to purchase additional raffle tickets. All 50/50 raffle tickets can be purchased at Gators5050.com. All fans who claim their 50/50 ticket will also be entered to win prizes such as two 2023 Florida football season tickets, a throwback Florida football helmet, four single-day passes to Busch Gardens, a James Bates three-piece art set and more. One lucky fan in attendance will win a new 2023 John Deere XUV560E Crossover Utility Gator.

Prize winners will be announced throughout the game and fans must be present at the Orange and Blue Game to win. Prizes can be claimed at the marketing table on the North Endzone Concourse.

What isn't allowed in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for football games

What can I bring to a Gators football game?

Fans are permitted one commercially branded (Aquafina) empty plastic water bottles, no larger than 20 ounces, inside the stadium.

Binoculars, phones, cameras, and tablets can be carried into the stadium as long as those items are not in their own bags/cases that don't comply with clear bag policy.

Under the UAA clear bag policy, approved bags are:

See more on the clear bag policy here.

Contact:Kent DonahueKent.Donahue@flhealth.gov407-858-1418

ORLANDO, FL – Soon local schools will take time off for spring break and swimming activities will be on everyone’s checklist. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County encourages everyone to take a role in preventing injuries, drownings, and illnesses caused by germs in the water.

Tips for Healthy Swimming:

Before getting in:

Once you are in:

Naegleria fowleri

Take precautions when enjoying fresh water activities locally or when traveling abroad, especially swimming in warm freshwater lakes, hot springs, rivers, creeks and ponds to avoid Naegleria fowleri. It’s a naturally occurring amoeba that can be found in any body of fresh water and in poorly maintained swimming pools and hot tubs. The amoeba is not found in salt water.

The amoeba can cause an infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Almost always fatal, the amoeba travels up the nose to the brain and spinal cord.

This generally happens during activities such as swimming, diving, waterskiing or wakeboarding.

Infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.

Although infections are rare, most prove to be fatal. Seek medical care immediately if you develop a sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, and vomiting especially if you have been in warm fresh water within the previous 2 weeks.

People should always assume there is a low level of risk for infection whenever entering warm fresh water.

Below are some tips to help reduce your risk of infection.

For information on the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site: https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/index.html.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov