Olivier Rioux, a former Florida Gators basketball player, has announced he will transfer to UC Irvine after nearly a month in the transfer portal. The 7-foot-9 center previously won a national championship in 2025 during his redshirt season.
Key points
Olivier Rioux transfers to UC Irvine
Former Florida Gators basketball player
Spent nearly a month in the transfer portal
7-foot-9 center played 11 games last season
Won a national championship in 2025
Olivier RiouxFlorida GatorsUC Irvine
Former Gator Olivier Rioux announces transfer portal destination
Florida basketball transfer Olivier Rioux has decided on his landing spot after spending nearly a month in the portal.
Rioux announced on Instagram that he'll be transferring to UC Irvine on Thursday. The 7-foot-9 big man spent two years in Gainesville, claiming a national championship in 2025 during his redshirt season. Rioux played in 11 games last year, scoring seven total points and six rebounds.
"Next stop: Irvine, California," Rioux wrote.
A three-star prospect out of IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) — by way of Quebec, Canada — came to Florida as a developmental project. Height is a coveted gift, especially in the basketball world, but it can take time for players of Rioux's size to build the stamina required to play at the college level. Two years into the project with Florida, it was apparent that Rioux needed more playing time if he was ever going to reach his full potential.
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) walks on the court before a game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) blocks Colgate guard Josh Ahayere (4) during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Florida won 90-60. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Q&A
Where is Olivier Rioux transferring to?
Olivier Rioux is transferring to UC Irvine.
What was Olivier Rioux's performance at Florida?
During his time at Florida, Rioux played in 11 games, scoring a total of seven points and grabbing six rebounds.
When did Olivier Rioux announce his transfer?
Olivier Rioux announced his transfer to UC Irvine on Instagram on Thursday.
What notable achievement did Olivier Rioux have at Florida?
Olivier Rioux was part of the Florida Gators team that won a national championship in 2025 during his redshirt season.
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Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) looks to pass in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks the ball in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) rebounds during second half of NCAA March Madness opening round at Benchmark international Arena in Tampa, FL on Friday, March 20, 2026. Florida won 114-55.[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks the ball in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) and Prairie View A&M Panthers forward Hassane Diallo (11) look on during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Olivier Rioux #32 of the Florida Gators controls the ball against Corey Dunning #4 of the Prairie View A&M Panthers during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) defends in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks the ball in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) looks on during the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks the ball in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) prepares to sub in during the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) controls the ball under pressure from Prairie View A&M forward Corey Dunning (4) during second half of NCAA March Madness opening round at Benchmark international Arena in Tampa, FL on Friday, March 20, 2026. Florida won 114-55.[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks during second half of NCAA March Madness opening round at Benchmark international Arena in Tampa, FL on Friday, March 20, 2026. Florida won 114-55.[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Mar 19, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) participates in a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Micah Handlogten (3), Florida Gators guard Alex Kovatchev (8), Florida Gators guard Isaiah Brown (20) and Florida Gators guard Cooper Josefsberg (33) celebrate with Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) after a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) gets in the game at the last minute during the second half of a NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Feb 11, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) enters the game next to guard CJ Ingram II (11) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) makes a layup over Alabama Crimson Tide forward Aiden Sherrell (22) and Alabama Crimson Tide guard Jalil Bethea (1) during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) scores the 100th point during the second half of an NCAA Mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Florida beat Alabama 100-77. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Nov 6, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) defends while North Florida Ospreys forward BJ Plummer (1) looks on during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks against Saint Francis during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Florida won 76-51[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Nov 6, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; North Florida Ospreys guard Dante Oliver (5) and North Florida Ospreys forward Nestor Dyachok (24) attempt to box out Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) plays defense against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) guards during the second half of an NCAA basketball game at Steven C. O'Connel Center Exactech Areana in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, November 6, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 21: Kevair Kennedy #5 of the Merrimack Warriors shoots the ball against Olivier Rioux #32 of the Florida Gators during the second half of a game at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on November 21, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Jan 28, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) speaks with teammates against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) blocks Colgate guard Josh Ahayere (4) during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Florida won 90-60. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Jan 28, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) plays defense against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 21: Olivier Rioux #32 of the Florida Gators rebounds the ball during the second half of a game against the Merrimack Warriors at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on November 21, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) guards during the second half of an NCAA basketball game at Steven C. O'Connel Center Exactech Areana in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, November 6, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Nov 21, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) runs up the court while Merrimack Warriors forward Todd Brogna (20) chases during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) blocks Colgate guard Josh Ahayere (4) during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Florida won 90-60. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks against Saint Francis during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Florida won 76-51[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) greets fans after Florida’s 114-55 win over Prairie View A&M of the NCAA March Madness opening round at Benchmark international Arena in Tampa, FL on Friday, March 20, 2026. .[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) high fives fans after Florida beat LSU 79-61 at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) walks on the court before a game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) walks on the court before a game against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) blocks Colgate guard Josh Ahayere (4) during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Florida won 90-60. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) looks to pass in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks the ball in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) rebounds during second half of NCAA March Madness opening round at Benchmark international Arena in Tampa, FL on Friday, March 20, 2026. Florida won 114-55.[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks the ball in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) and Prairie View A&M Panthers forward Hassane Diallo (11) look on during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Olivier Rioux #32 of the Florida Gators controls the ball against Corey Dunning #4 of the Prairie View A&M Panthers during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) defends in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks the ball in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena.
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) looks on during the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks the ball in the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) prepares to sub in during the second half against the Prairie View A&M Panthers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) controls the ball under pressure from Prairie View A&M forward Corey Dunning (4) during second half of NCAA March Madness opening round at Benchmark international Arena in Tampa, FL on Friday, March 20, 2026. Florida won 114-55.[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks during second half of NCAA March Madness opening round at Benchmark international Arena in Tampa, FL on Friday, March 20, 2026. Florida won 114-55.[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Mar 19, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) participates in a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Feb 1, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Micah Handlogten (3), Florida Gators guard Alex Kovatchev (8), Florida Gators guard Isaiah Brown (20) and Florida Gators guard Cooper Josefsberg (33) celebrate with Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) after a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) gets in the game at the last minute during the second half of a NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Feb 11, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) enters the game next to guard CJ Ingram II (11) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Feb 1, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) makes a layup over Alabama Crimson Tide forward Aiden Sherrell (22) and Alabama Crimson Tide guard Jalil Bethea (1) during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) scores the 100th point during the second half of an NCAA Mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Florida beat Alabama 100-77. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Nov 6, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) defends while North Florida Ospreys forward BJ Plummer (1) looks on during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks against Saint Francis during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Florida won 76-51[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Nov 6, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; North Florida Ospreys guard Dante Oliver (5) and North Florida Ospreys forward Nestor Dyachok (24) attempt to box out Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Jan 28, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) plays defense against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) guards during the second half of an NCAA basketball game at Steven C. O'Connel Center Exactech Areana in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, November 6, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 21: Kevair Kennedy #5 of the Merrimack Warriors shoots the ball against Olivier Rioux #32 of the Florida Gators during the second half of a game at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on November 21, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Jan 28, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) speaks with teammates against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) blocks Colgate guard Josh Ahayere (4) during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Florida won 90-60. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Jan 28, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) plays defense against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 21: Olivier Rioux #32 of the Florida Gators rebounds the ball during the second half of a game against the Merrimack Warriors at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on November 21, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) guards during the second half of an NCAA basketball game at Steven C. O'Connel Center Exactech Areana in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, November 6, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Nov 21, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Olivier Rioux (32) runs up the court while Merrimack Warriors forward Todd Brogna (20) chases during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) blocks Colgate guard Josh Ahayere (4) during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Florida won 90-60. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
35 / 37
PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) dunks against Saint Francis during the second half of an NCAA mens basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Florida won 76-51[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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Former Gator Olivier Rioux announces transfer portal destination
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) greets fans after Florida’s 114-55 win over Prairie View A&M of the NCAA March Madness opening round at Benchmark international Arena in Tampa, FL on Friday, March 20, 2026. .[Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Olivier Rioux's 2025-26 season at Florida
Florida center Olivier Rioux (32) high fives fans after Florida beat LSU 79-61 at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
UC Irvine has a history of doing just that. Seven-foot-6 Mamdou Ndiaye spent four years with the Anteaters, eventually turning into a 12.1-point, 7.2-round and 2.4 blocks per game player. He was named the Big West Defensive Player of the Year twice and was all-conference first team in his final season (2016).
Losing Rioux is not devastating for Todd Golden's team. Florida is returning at least two of its three starting frontcourt members, and Rioux was nearly last on the depth chart, often coming in games for the final minute or two with a big lead.
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