![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]](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/31110643/7-foot-9-center-olivier-03-31-26-1920x1257.jpg "7-Foot-9 Center Olivier Rioux Announces He’s Entering Transfer Portal After Limited Role At Florida")
The tallest player in college basketball history could be on the move during the offseason, as Olivier Rioux has announced his plans to enter the transfer portal. Rioux spent the last two years with the Florida Gators.
At 7-foot-9, Rioux also set the Guinness World Record for the tallest teenager before his college basketball career. As he gets ready for his third season in college basketball, he has made a big decision about his future.
Florida Center Olivier Rioux Enters Transfer Portal
Rioux announced on social media on Tuesday that he would enter the transfer portal. The 20-year-old said that it was a difficult decision, but one that he made with his future in mind.
“After taking time to reflect on my journey and what’s best for my future, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal,” he wrote in a post on X.
Official announcement pic.twitter.com/MW4sz6bUyd
— Rioux Olivier (@Oli_Rioux) March 31, 2026
Rioux also reflected on the honor of representing the Florida Gators and thanked the coaches, his teammates, and the fans for their support.
“Representing this incredible program, wearing these colors and competing at the highest level has been one of the greatest honors of my life… Winning the national championship last year was a dream come true for all of us. To experience that moment together is something I will cherish forever. I will take these memories with me for the rest of my life,” he added.
Rioux redshirted for the Florida Gators last season as the program won the NCAA Tournament. This year, he played in 11 games, averaging 1.5 minutes and 0.6 points per game.
The center made his debut for Florida against the North Florida Ospreys in November, becoming the tallest person to ever play college basketball. He made what is likely to be his last appearance for the Florida Gators against Prairie View A&M in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. He scored two points in that game, a dunk that was loudly cheered on by the crowd.
Despite struggling to get much playing time for the Florida Gators, Rioux became one of the most popular players on the roster during his time with the program. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.
In addition to playing for the Gators, Rioux also represented Canada at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. He averaged 1.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game as Team Canada finished fifth in the final standings.
