Trending Now - 7-foot-9 Center Olivier Rioux to Explore Transfer Options

WHO:

Fox News - Olivier Rioux, a 20-year-old center from the University of Florida, is the tallest college basketball player ever at 7-foot-9.

ESPN - Peter Yannopoulos is Rioux's agent.

WHAT:

Fox News - Rioux played a total of 15 minutes during the 2025-2026 season, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, and one assist.

Fox News - Rioux stated, "It’s truly hard to put into words what these last two years and this experience has meant to me. From being raised in the province of Quebec back home in Canada, to representing this incredible program, wearing these colors and competing at the highest level has been one of the greatest honors of my life."

ESPN - Rioux's first scoring in a game occurred three games after his debut, where he made a free throw after getting fouled.

ESPN - Rioux is two inches taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, and three inches taller than popular big men Yao Ming, Tacko Fall, and Shawn Bradley.

Fox News - Rioux thanked his coaches for "believing in me, for trusting me, and for pushing me to develop every single day," as well as "trainers, managers, and support staff" in his Instagram post announcing his transfer.

Fox News - Rioux stated, "Winning the national championship last year was a dream come true for all of us," referring to the Florida Gators' 2025 national championship.

ESPN - Rioux's agent, Peter Yannopoulos, confirmed to ESPN that "Oli is excited and ready for the next steps in his journey."

ESPN - Rioux's father, Jean-Francois, expressed gratitude for the experience at Florida, stating, "We are grateful for the experience at Florida."

Fox News - Olivier Rioux announced he is entering the transfer portal.

ESPN - Rioux played a total of 15 minutes during the 2025-2026 season, scoring seven points, six rebounds, and one assist.

Fox News - Rioux redshirted as a true freshman during Florida's national championship season in 2025.

ESPN - Rioux became the tallest person to ever play college basketball when he debuted in a game on November 11th, 2025.

WHERE:

Fox News - Rioux played for the Florida Gators at the University of Florida.

ESPN - The game where Rioux made his debut took place in Gainesville, Florida.

WHEN:

Fox News - Rioux announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on March 31st, 2026.

ESPN - Rioux's debut game was on November 11th, 2025.

Fox News - Rioux's first scoring in a game occurred three games after his debut.

WHY:

ESPN - Head coach Todd Golden indicated that Rioux would have a tough time getting playing time due to the return of all four frontcourt players.

Fox News - Rioux stated he took time "to reflect on my jersey and what's best for my future."

ESPN - Rioux's limited playing time was due to being behind a strong frontcourt at Florida.

HOW:

ESPN - Rioux is known for being "hounded for pictures wherever he goes on campus, usually on a bike that's taller than he is when standing upright."

Fox News - Rioux announced his transfer decision via an Instagram post, thanking coaches, trainers, and teammates.

ESPN - Head coach Todd Golden indicated that Rioux would have a tough time getting playing time due to the return of all four frontcourt players.

(UPDATED March 31, 2026 21:08 UTC)

In a remarkable season, Rioux played a total of 15 minutes, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, and one assist, while reflecting on his journey from Quebec to competing at a high level, stating, "It’s truly hard to put into words what these last two years and this experience has meant to me." His first scoring opportunity came three games after his debut when he made a free throw after being fouled, and he stands two inches taller than former NBA giants Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol. However, head coach Todd Golden noted that Rioux might struggle for playing time with all four frontcourt players returning, despite his popularity on campus, where he's often hounded for pictures while riding a bike that's taller than he is.

(UPDATED March 31, 2026 19:21 UTC)

Oli Rioux announced his transfer in an Instagram post, thanking his coaches, trainers, and support staff for their belief and support during his time with the Florida Gators. He reflected on winning the national championship last year, calling it a dream come true, while his father expressed gratitude for the experience at Florida. Rioux's agent confirmed that he is excited and ready for the next steps in his journey, as he continues to be a well-known figure on campus, often hounded for pictures while riding a bike that's taller than he is.

(UPDATED March 31, 2026 17:21 UTC)

Olivier Rioux, the tallest college basketball player ever at 7-foot-9, announced he is entering the transfer portal after a limited season with the Florida Gators, where he played just 15 minutes and scored seven points. Rioux, who redshirted during Florida's national championship season in 2025, made his debut November 11thth, 2025, but found himself behind a strong frontcourt, which impacted his playing time. In his Instagram post announcing the transfer, Rioux expressed gratitude to his coaches, trainers, and teammates while reflecting on what’s best for his future.