Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux enters transfer portal after two seasons

Olivier Rioux, a 7-foot-8 Canadian center listed as the tallest player in NCAA Division I men's basketball history, has announced his decision to transfer from the University of Florida.[1][2]

The 20-year-old from Terrebonne, Quebec, made the announcement on Instagram, thanking head coach Todd Golden, the coaching staff, teammates, and Gator Nation for his two years with the program. Rioux highlighted the challenges of competing against teammates including Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu, and Micah Handlogten in practice.[1]

Rioux redshirted during his true freshman season in 2024-25 and saw limited action as a redshirt freshman in 2025-26, logging 15 total minutes across several games. His statistics included seven points, six rebounds, and one assist. He made his college debut in Florida's 104-64 victory over North Florida on November 22, 2025, becoming the tallest player to appear in an NCAA game.[1][3]

Three games after his debut, Rioux scored his first points via a free throw. At 7-foot-8, he stands taller than former NBA players Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol (both 7-foot-7) and Yao Ming (7-foot-6).[2]

Prior to Florida, Rioux played at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and was measured at 7-foot-5 as a 13-year-old. Coach Golden offered him the choice between limited playing time or redshirting to develop his game, which Rioux accepted.[2]

Rioux's departure is expected to lower the average height of the Florida Gators' men's basketball roster for the 2026-27 season. He enters the NCAA transfer portal amid an open window following the 2025-26 season.[1]