In a heartwarming moment during the Gasparilla Bowl, Anthony Rubio, son of Florida Senator Marco Rubio, achieved a significant milestone by scoring his first collegiate touchdown. Rubio, a walk-on running back for the Florida Gators, sealed the team's dominant 33-8 win over Tulane with a nine-yard run in the final minutes of the game. This touchdown capped off a four-game winning streak for the Gators.

The play, described by Florida coach Billy Napier as a "great way to finish," ignited a joyous celebration from Rubio's teammates, who swarmed him on the field. This marked Rubio's first game appearance after redshirting his initial year with the Gators in 2023.

In a post-game interview, Rubio expressed gratitude for his accomplishment, acknowledging the support of his teammates and attributing his success to his faith. Senator Rubio also shared his pride on social media, highlighting not only his son's touchdown but also the team's camaraderie and his son's humility.

Rubio concluded the game with impressive stats, accumulating 32 rushing yards and the memorable touchdown. His performance was a bright spot in the Gators' decisive victory.