Tallest NCAA player transfers
Olivier Rioux — a 7‑foot‑9 center and the tallest player in NCAA history — officially entered the transfer portal after two seasons at Florida, following back‑to‑back NCAA Tournament appearances. Programs seeking elite rim protection are already circling what could be a high‑value interior addition (ESPN; USA Today). (espn.com) (collegesportswire.usatoday.com)
Rioux spent the 2024–25 campaign on a developmental redshirt and served on Florida’s scout team, per the Gators’ official roster. (floridagators.com) Across the 2025–26 season he appeared in 11 games and posted averages of 1.5 minutes, 0.6 points and 0.5 rebounds per game in ESPN’s season log. (espn.com) He converted his first collegiate field goal on a dunk against Saint Francis on Dec. 17, 2025, and also logged two minutes and two points during Florida’s 114–55 NCAA first‑round win over Prairie View A&M on March 20, 2026. (espn.com) Scouting outlets say his size is unique but his pro outlook remains uncertain without more polish; Sporting News wrote that Rioux “has a long way to go” before being an NBA draft candidate. (sportingnews.com) Analysts laying out possible next stops have singled out specific fits rather than broad interest, naming Purdue, Nebraska and Duke among teams that could deploy a specialist rim‑protection role. (sportingnews.com) Rioux’s recruiting record traces to IMG Academy and three‑star evaluations from recruiting services, and his signing drew early agency interest focused on both development and brand opportunities. (247sports.com)
