Full Breakdown
7-Foot-9 Center Olivier Rioux Transfers from Florida to UC Irvine
5/1/2026, 2:53:33 AM
Transfer to UC Irvine
Olivier Rioux, 7-foot-9 Canadian center, announced Thursday his transfer from Florida to UC Irvine. The university confirmed the signing, and head coach Russell Turner said his presence will elevate the program.
Background and Florida Tenure
Rioux set a Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager (7-ft-5) in 2021 and later became the tallest college player at 7-ft-9. He redshirted during Florida’s 2025 national-title season, then appeared in 11 games in 2025-26, logging 15-16 minutes, scoring seven points, six rebounds and one assist. His first collegiate point came in a 35-point win over Merrimack.
Key Figures & Groups
Russell Turner, UC Irvine head coach, previously coached 7-ft-6 center Mamadou N’Diaye. Florida coach Todd Golden recruited Rioux as a preferred walk-on; frontcourt starters Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh and Rueben Chinyelu limited his minutes.
Data & Statistics
Height: 7-ft-9 (2 in taller than Gheorghe Muresan); weight: 305 lb (NY Post). Florida 2025-26: 11 games, 1.5 min/game, 7 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast. UC Irvine 2025-26: 23-12, Big West champs, 75-72 NIT loss to UNLV.
Official Statements & Responses
Turner praised Rioux’s high character and unique skill set as a fit for UC Irvine’s frontcourt. Golden called him “a great kid,” said his family’s interest made the recruitment a “no-brainer,” and noted he still has “significant work to do” to contribute consistently.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted the Gators’ up-tempo style and depth limited Rioux’s minutes; his mobility and conditioning were concerns. Golden said he must improve footwork and stamina to earn regular rotation.
On-the-Ground Perspective
Fans called Rioux a “walking viral video,” sharing clips of his bike rides, doorway ducking and net-cutting during the NCAA run. Teammate Rueben Chinyelu praised his work ethic.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
ABC News lists 15 minutes; CBS Sports lists 16. Weight appears only in the NY Post (305 lb). Height is reported as 7-ft-9, while the Guinness record notes a prior 7-ft-5 measurement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Olivier is a high-character young man whose presence will elevate our team, our university, and our community,” — Russell Turner, UC Irvine head coach
- “Love his parents, and when they showed interest in coming here as a preferred walk-on, it was kind of a no-brainer for us.” — Todd Golden, Florida head coach (Sept 2024)
What’s Next
Rioux will join UC Irvine’s July preseason; Turner expects immediate contribution and further development. The Anteaters aim to improve on their NIT showing and target an NCAA berth.
