As the 2025 season approaches for the Florida Gators, Billy Napier has been trying to pull out all the stops to gain an advantage. One of those attempted advantages involved trying to figure out a way to block more field goals.
And it turns out Napier looked no further than Todd Golden's roster to try and pull off this master plan.
Olivier Rioux tries out for Florida Football
The Associated Press has reported that apparently, Olivier Rioux, Florida's 7'9" center who redshirted last season, had some workouts with football to see if he could be an asset on special teams.
Golden spoke at a booster event on Thursday and said, "I like the idea. I give them credit for trying it."
The attempt didn't work out as Rioux still wasn't able to jump high enough to block any kicks.
Golden commented that the football staff was "A little disappointed."
After redshirting Florida's national title season in 2024-25, Rioux spent the summer with Canada's U-19 squad during the World Cup. Rioux should get some playing time in 2025-26, but with Florida's frontcourt still intact from 2024-25, it's unlikely he gets significant minutes beyond some mop-up duty or special situations.
Rioux came to Florida out of IMG by way of Canada. He was dubbed the "World's Tallest Teenager" and had several viral moments throughout Florida's national title run, including being able to cut down the nets without a ladder.
Beyond the notable gaffe going into halftime against Tennessee, special teams for Florida were improved in 2024 under the direction of Joe Houston. The Gators got some explosive punt returns from Chimere Dike and were one of the highest-rated units in the country.
So even though Rioux didn't work out, it at least shows that Florida is willing to explore every avenue it can to try and be even better in 2025.