Olivier Rioux announced on Tuesday that he is planning to enter the transfer portal this offseason. Following the 7-foot-9 center’s announcement, the college basketball world quickly began to speculate on where he might play next season.
After two seasons with the Florida Gators, Rioux could be on the move this summer. He became the tallest player in the history of college basketball in November and also represented the Gators during March Madness this year.
College Basketball World Reacts to Olivier Rioux Entering the Transfer Portal
Rioux revealed on Tuesday that he plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on April 7. He called the decision “what’s best for my future,” and thanked the Florida Gators coaches, fans, and teammates for their support over the last two years.
College basketball fans on social media shared their thoughts on the news, with some linking him to Purdue. “Congrats to Purdue,” wrote Barstool’s PFT Commenter.
The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman shared a hilarious pun about Rioux’s height after the news broke. “The biggest portal entry of this offseason without a doubt,” he wrote.
The biggest portal entry of this offseason without a doubt … https://t.co/eFgkx3OKmz
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 31, 2026
“You know things didn’t go well when the transfer portal post doesn’t even list stats,” commented sports reporter Cory Smith.
You know things didn’t go well when the transfer portal post doesn’t even list stats. 😅😅 https://t.co/eMemyvL3tK
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) March 31, 2026
One account, sharing a video featuring his highlights, backed Rioux to make a big impact next season and wondered where the center might end up. “7’9 HITTING THE PORTAL. Olivier Rioux is going to make an impact somewhere next season! Where does he end up,” they wrote.
7’9 HITTING THE PORTAL
Olivier Rioux is going to make an impact somewhere next season!
Where does he end up 🤔🤔🤔
📽️⬇️ https://t.co/apatRgnDMR pic.twitter.com/Ivv4ugjlQC
— The Portal Report (@ThePortalReport) March 31, 2026
“Big loss and not a big loss…simultaneously,” wrote Paul Pabst of “The Dan Patrick Show.”
Big loss and not a big loss…simultaneously. https://t.co/Hp8M0wA3GR
— Paul Pabst (@PaulPabst) March 31, 2026
College basketball reporter Garrett Armbrust also shared some advice for Rioux.
MARCH MADNESS: Fill In Your Bracket Now!
“Go play at a mid-major and develop your game. Olivier Rioux is 7’9 if you go play at a mid major and get good coaching you could dominant other centers. I would go as far as to saying if he develops his game enough in the next few seasons pro ball could still be in the cards,” he wrote.
Go play at a mid-major and develop your game.
Olivier Rioux is 7’9 if you go play at a mid major and get good coaching you could dominant other centers.
I would go as far as to saying if he develops his game enough in the next few seasons pro ball could still be in the cards. https://t.co/61sXBQNgbG
— Garrett Armbrust (@4thandsaturday) March 31, 2026
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Rioux, who played in 11 games this season.
MORE: College Basketball 2026 Transfer Portal Tracker: Complete List of Players Who Are Available
He averaged 1.5 minutes and 0.6 points per game and scored 2 points for the Florida Gators against Prairie View A&M in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The 2026 NCAA transfer portal will be open from April 7 to 21.
