Olivier Rioux, Florida’s 7-foot-9 post player and the most towering athlete to ever net points in a college basketball contest, has opted into the transfer portal, a move Rioux disclosed via an online declaration on Tuesday.
Rioux penned in the message: “Having pondered carefully my path and what is most advantageous for my prospects, I have concluded it’s time to join the transfer network.”
The transition was verified to ESPN by Rioux’s representative, Peter Yannopoulos.
Yannopoulos informed ESPN, stating, “He is part of the network.” He further added, “Oli is eager and prepared for the subsequent phases in his endeavor.”
Considered among the most well-liked athletes in college basketball, Rioux consistently sparked a burst of cheers from the audience each time he stepped onto the court for Florida this season. A common occurrence whenever he registered points this season, the entire Florida bench erupted in celebration when he slammed the ball through the hoop during the initial stage of the NCAA tournament against Prairie View A&M.
Official announcement https://t.co/MW4sz6bUyd
— Rioux Olivier (@Oli_Rioux) March 31, 2026
Nevertheless, such instances proved infrequent, as Rioux (who accumulated merely seven points this season) endeavored to secure a position on a team that boasted one of America’s elite big-man lineups.
Previously this season, Todd Golden stated to ESPN his conviction that Rioux possessed the potential to be a talented athlete, even if it necessitated his competition for another institution.
Golden informed ESPN, “I imagine he’s likely reflecting, perhaps thinking, ‘Gosh, I wasn’t aware all these teammates would be returning.'” He continued, “Consequently, this season will present a challenging one for playing time, undoubtedly so. Yet… I firmly believe he has significant success in the sport in his future, whether that unfolds here at Florida or in another location.”
Describing the period as a “realized aspiration” in his message on the platform X, Rioux took a redshirt year as a first-year student athlete during Florida’s quest for the national title in 2025.
At every location he visits on the university grounds, Rioux is frequently approached for photographs, often while astride a bicycle that exceeds his height even when he stands erect. He is expected to encounter similar widespread attention at his subsequent destination as well.
Jean-Francois, Rioux’s dad, stated that his son cherished his tenure with the Gators and eagerly anticipates his upcoming prospect.
He informed ESPN, “We are thankful for the time spent at Florida.”