Tallest Player in March Madness History Helps Florida Gators Advance

Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 center, set a new record by becoming the tallest player to compete in an NCAA tournament game.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:19pm

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Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators, became the tallest player to ever compete in an NCAA tournament game. Rioux entered the game in the final minutes and sealed the Gators' 114-55 victory over the Prairie View A&M Panthers with a put-back dunk. This is the latest record for Rioux, who previously held the Guinness World Record for tallest male teenager at 7-foot-5.

Why it matters

Rioux's participation in the NCAA tournament is a historic moment, as his towering height of 7-foot-9 makes him a unique and captivating player. His presence on the court highlights the diversity of talent in college basketball and the ability of exceptionally tall players to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

The details

Rioux was brought into the game in the final minutes, with the Gators already holding a commanding lead. He quickly made an impact, scoring on a put-back dunk that further extended the team's advantage. Rioux's height gives him a significant physical advantage on the court, allowing him to dominate the paint and make plays that most players cannot.

  • Rioux entered the game in the final minutes on March 20, 2026.
  • The Florida Gators defeated the Prairie View A&M Panthers 114-55 on March 20, 2026.

The players

Olivier Rioux

A 7-foot-9 center for the Florida Gators men's basketball team, who became the tallest player to ever compete in an NCAA tournament game.

Florida Gators

The college basketball team that Olivier Rioux plays for, who defeated Prairie View A&M in the NCAA tournament game where Rioux set the record.

Prairie View A&M Panthers

The opposing team that the Florida Gators defeated 114-55 in the NCAA tournament game where Olivier Rioux set the record for tallest player to compete.

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What they’re saying

“It feels amazing.”

— Olivier Rioux

What’s next

Rioux and the Florida Gators will next take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 on Sunday, March 22.

The takeaway

Olivier Rioux's historic participation in the NCAA tournament as the tallest player ever to compete showcases the incredible diversity of talent in college basketball and the ability of exceptionally tall players to excel at the highest levels of the sport.