Olivier Rioux is a Florida Gators center known as the tallest player in college basketball history, standing at an incredible 7-foot-9. The redshirt freshman has drawn national attention during Florida’s NCAA Tournament run thanks to his towering height and growing role with the program. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Olivier Rioux Is the Tallest Player in College Basketball History
Rioux’s height alone has made him one of the most talked-about players in college basketball.
The Florida center stands 7-foot-9, making him the tallest player in NCAA history. His remarkable size has attracted attention from fans, opponents, and media throughout his career.
Rioux has been unusually tall since childhood. According to his Florida team bio, he measured 6-foot-1 at just 8 years old and surpassed the 7-foot mark before entering seventh grade.
When Rioux was 16 years old, he measured just over 7 feet 5 inches and earned recognition from Guinness World Records as the tallest teenager in the world. He continued to grow several more inches and was listed at 7-foot-9 ahead of the 2024–25 college basketball season.
2. Rioux Comes From an Exceptionally Tall Family
Rioux’s height is remarkable, but he is not the only tall member of his family.
His father stands 6-foot-8, while his mother — a former volleyball player — is 6-foot-1. Rioux also has an older brother who played basketball and stands 6-foot-9.
The family’s height has often attracted attention when they appear together in public.
“Everybody would come up to my dad and say, ‘Oh my God, how tall are you? Oh, even your child is tall?’” Rioux said in an interview with Yahoo Sports. He added that his father always handled those moments respectfully.
Rioux grew up in Terrebonne, Quebec, a suburb of Montreal, before eventually committing to the University of Florida after graduating from high school in 2024.
3. Olivier Rioux Redshirted During Florida’s National Championship Season
Rioux joined Florida during a historic period for the program.
The center took what the team described as a “developmental redshirt season” during the Gators’ national championship run. While he did not play in games, he contributed to the program as part of the scout team during practices.
The redshirt season allowed Rioux to adjust to the college level while continuing to develop his skills and strength.
His presence on the roster also attracted attention from fans who were eager to see how the unusually tall prospect would eventually fit into
Florida’s lineup.
4. Florida Center Has Played Limited Minutes as a Redshirt Freshman
As a redshirt freshman during the 2025–26 season, Rioux has appeared in limited minutes for the Gators.
He has played 13 minutes across 10 games this season, scoring five total points. One of those highlights included his first collegiate dunk during a December game against Saint Francis.
Rioux also saw action during Florida’s NCAA Tournament first-round win over Prairie View A&M. He played two minutes late in the game and added another dunk during the Gators’ 59-point victory.
Florida currently has several experienced players ahead of him in the frontcourt. Starting center Rueben Chinyelu is a junior, while backup center Micah Handlogten is a senior.
Despite the limited playing time, Rioux continues to develop within the program.
5. Olivier Rioux Has Become One of Florida’s Most Recognizable Players
Even with limited minutes, Rioux has quickly become one of Florida’s most recognizable players.
Fans frequently ask him for photos and autographs because of his unique height. Rioux admitted that the attention can sometimes be overwhelming.
“It’s a lot sometimes,” Rioux said. “Sometimes you’ve got to learn to say no.”
Moments involving Rioux often go viral on social media. During Florida’s win over Prairie View A&M, an interaction between Rioux and Prairie View forward Hassane Diallo—who is 6-foot-8—drew attention when Diallo appeared amazed by Rioux’s height.
Rioux has also become a fan favorite during the NCAA Tournament. During a break between games, he posed for photos with fans and continued to attract attention as one of the most recognizable players on Florida’s roster.
While his role on the court may grow gradually, Rioux’s presence already makes him one of the most unique figures in college basketball.
How Tall Is Olivier Rioux? Everything Fans Need to Know About the Florida Center