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Tallest college basketball player in history transferring to UC Irvine from Florida
TL;DR
Olivier Rioux, the tallest player in college basketball history at 7-foot-9, is transferring from Florida to UC Irvine. His decision comes as he likely faced limited playing time at Florida next season.
Key points
- Olivier Rioux is 7-foot-9 tall.
- He is transferring from Florida to UC Irvine.
- Rioux had limited playing time at Florida.
- Florida finished the last season ranked No. 9.
- Florida is expected to be ranked No. 1 next season.
Olivier RiouxFlorida GatorsUC Irvine
Olivier Rioux of the Florida Gators dunks during the first round of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament in March. (Tyler Schank / NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
The tallest player in college basketball history plans to take his long strides from Gainesville, Fla., to Orange County.
Olivier Rioux, who is 7-foot-9 yet seldom played at Florida, has committed to UC Irvine, he announced on Instagram. His move likely was prompted by the near certainty that he wouldn't crack the Gators' starting lineup next season, either.
Florida is expected to be ranked No. 1 entering the 2026-27 season after finishing 27-8 and ranked No. 9 in the final AP poll behind three star players. Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon announced they would return and Rueben Chinyelu is expected to withdraw from the NBA draft and also return.
Rioux, who will be a redshirt sophomore, grew up in Quebec and played at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., before attending Florida as a preferred walk-on. He appeared in 11 games, scoring seven points, becoming the tallest player to score in a Division I game.
He will be fun to watch play regardless of whether he is dominant. Rioux dunks without jumping, a feat highlighted by his first college field goal against Saint Francis in December 2025 and a memorable March Madness moment in 2026 with an offensive rebound and put-back dunk.
He didn't play more than a few minutes at a time because Florida coach Todd Golden said he lacked the stamina to do so.
Q&A
Who is Olivier Rioux and why is he notable in college basketball?
Olivier Rioux is a 7-foot-9 player who is recognized as the tallest player in college basketball history.
What prompted Olivier Rioux to transfer to UC Irvine?
Rioux's transfer was likely motivated by his limited playing time at Florida and the expectation that he wouldn't make the starting lineup next season.
What was Florida's basketball performance last season?
Florida finished the 2025-26 season with a record of 27-8 and was ranked No. 9 in the final AP poll.
What are the expectations for Florida's basketball team in the 2026-27 season?
Florida is expected to be ranked No. 1 entering the 2026-27 season, bolstered by the return of key players.
