Tallest College Basketball Player Enters Transfer Portal

Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux, standing at 7-foot-9, is looking for a new program to develop his skills.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:20am

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Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball at 7-foot-9, has entered the NCAA transfer portal after two seasons with the Florida Gators. Despite his impressive size, Rioux struggled to earn significant playing time under head coach Todd Golden, appearing in just 11 games and playing only 16 minutes as a redshirt sophomore. Now, Rioux is seeking a new program that can help him reach his full potential as a shot blocker and rebounder.

Why it matters

Rioux's transfer represents an intriguing opportunity for a college basketball program to take on a unique project and potentially develop one of the tallest players in the sport. While he currently lacks the quickness and coordination typical of elite big men, Rioux's sheer size and defensive potential make him an enticing prospect for coaches willing to invest the time and resources into helping him improve his game.

The details

Rioux, a native of Canada, redshirted the 2024-25 season and saw limited action this past year, averaging just 0.6 points per game. Despite his lack of playing time, the 305-pound center is still viewed as a valuable asset due to his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. Coaches will be tasked with helping Rioux overcome his physical limitations and develop the necessary skills to become a consistent contributor at the college level.

  • Rioux entered the NCAA transfer portal on March 31, 2026.
  • He redshirted the 2024-25 season and appeared in 11 games for the Florida Gators in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Olivier Rioux

A 7-foot-9, 305-pound center from Canada who has entered the NCAA transfer portal after two seasons with the Florida Gators.

Todd Golden

The head coach of the Florida Gators, who was unable to fully develop Rioux's skills during his time with the program.

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What they’re saying

“There's room on every roster for a legitimate shot blocker and rebounder; Rioux is neither yet, but one can only assume he has that potential.”

— Chase Goodbread, Sports Columnist

What’s next

Coaches from across the country will be evaluating Rioux's potential and determining if he is a good fit for their programs. The coach who lands Rioux will have the challenge of developing his skills and helping him become a consistent contributor at the college level.

The takeaway

Rioux's transfer represents a unique opportunity for a college basketball program to take on a project with significant upside. While he currently lacks the necessary skills to thrive at the Division I level, his sheer size and defensive potential make him an intriguing prospect for coaches willing to invest the time and resources into helping him improve his game.