Tallest College Basketball Player Ever Enters Transfer Portal

Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 center, leaves the University of Florida after two seasons.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the dynamic action on the court.The departure of the tallest player in college basketball history will reshape rosters across the sport.Gainesville Today

Olivier Rioux, the tallest college basketball player ever at 7-foot-9, has announced he is entering the transfer portal after two seasons with the University of Florida Gators. Rioux, a 20-year-old from Quebec, Canada, played sparingly during his time with the Gators, redshirting as a freshman and seeing limited action in mop-up duty this past season.

Why it matters

Rioux's departure will have a significant impact on the average height of college basketball rosters next season. As the tallest player in the sport's history, his transfer will leave a void that will be difficult for any program to fill. This move also raises questions about the development and utilization of extremely tall players in the modern game.

The details

In his Instagram post announcing the transfer, Rioux thanked the Florida coaching staff, trainers, and support staff for 'believing in me, for trusting me, and for pushing me to develop every single day.' He also expressed gratitude to his teammates and the Gator fanbase, calling his national championship win last season 'a dream come true.' Rioux played a total of 15 minutes over his two seasons, scoring 7 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.

  • Rioux made his college debut in a 104-64 victory over North Florida last November.
  • Rioux scored his first points by making a free throw a few games later.
  • Rioux redshirted as a true freshman during the Gators' national championship season.
  • Rioux saw limited playing time this past season, with head coach Todd Golden making it clear he would only play in blowout situations.

The players

Olivier Rioux

A 20-year-old, 7-foot-9 center from Quebec, Canada, who is the tallest player in college basketball history.

Todd Golden

The head coach of the University of Florida men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“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…”

— Olivier Rioux, Transferring Player

“Winning the national championship last year was a dream come true for all of us. It's something we worked for every single day, and to experience that moment together is something I will cherish forever. I will take these memories with me for the rest of my life.”

— Olivier Rioux, Transferring Player

What’s next

Rioux will now enter the NCAA transfer portal, where he will explore opportunities to continue his college basketball career at a new program.

The takeaway

Rioux's departure from Florida highlights the challenges of developing and integrating extremely tall players into modern college basketball. His transfer will have a significant impact on the average height of rosters across the sport next season.