Meet Olivier Rioux, The NCAA Freshman Who Made History As The Tallest College Basketball Player

The basketball world has just found a brand new giant, and he is already breaking records. Olivier Rioux, a Florida Gators freshman, has sparked a wave of curiosity on social media after his routine early-season matchup instantly went viral for his towering height. During Florida’s impressive 104–64 win over North Florida, the crowd erupted in cheers as Olivier stepped on the court.

Standing at 7 feet and 9 inches, 19-year-old Olivier, or Ollie, as fans are calling him, has officially become the tallest athlete to ever step onto an NCAA court, breaking all past records, including that of Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol (both 7'7"). With his debut in the court, Rioux has already become a sensation in the sports world.

Olivier Rioux’s college basketball history stole the spotlight

On Thursday, November 6, 2025 (ET), Olivier Rioux made his NCAA fame debut, playing for the Florida Gators in their 104–64 win over the North Florida Ospreys at Gainesville’s Connell Center. Entering the game with 2:09 remaining, the 19-year-old was welcomed with an overwhelming “We Want Ollie!” chant throughout the second half. 

Finally stepping into the court in the last two minutes, Rioux jogged to the scorer’s table, marking a historic moment for the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). The entire arena erupted, his teammates cheering wildly for the new athletic giant. Even North Florida’s players failed to hide their reactions to his towering stature. In video clips from the game, North Florida forward Trey Cady (6'8") was seen smirking as he sized himself up against Ollie, who was more than a foot taller.

Regarding the actual game, well, Rioux didn’t score or grab a rebound. In fact, he barely even touched the ball. However, the moment that his presence created was unmatched. Speaking about the immense support he received in his court debut, Olivier said:

"It felt great. The support from everybody was amazing, even on the bench, and even the fans. I think everybody supported me. I am very grateful."

Who is Olivier Rioux?

Born on February 2, 2006, in Terrebonne, Quebec, Olivier Rioux is a Canadian basketball freshman from the Montreal area. Standing at an astonishing 7 feet 9 inches, Rioux has been a viral sensation long before he ever logged a single NCAA minute. In 2021, before his basketball debut, the Guinness World Records recognised him as the world’s tallest teenager, measuring 7'5" at just 15 years old.

The NBA was not Rioux’s first choice

Born and raised in a sports-loving family, Rioux had long dreamed of playing football, specifically blocking kicks with his enormous wingspan. However, that plan didn’t work out, and he found his calling in Basketball, joining the Gators on the court. And now, his debut itself made him a viral sensation in the sports world, breaking the records of legends like Shaquille O'Neal (7'1"), Yao Ming (7'6"), and Victor Wembanyama (7'4").

What’s next for the 7'9" freshman?

The 2025-2026 season of college basketball has just begun, and the 19-year-old has already become the court’s sensation- and the world is watching. While his NCAA debut lasted only two minutes, its impact has already reverberated across social media. Speaking about his potential, Florida head coach Todd Golden said in a press conference:

"It's really neat for him to finally see the floor… I would have liked to see him get a touch, but it'll happen for him. Excited for him to get the opportunity to play in a Division I game.”

As he continues developing under Florida’s coaching staff, fans expect to see him gradually carve out a bigger role. With the season just beginning, Rioux now has ample opportunity to up his game and prove himself in a sport that perfectly matches his towering frame. 

Judging by the thunderous cheers that shook the O’Connell Center, Olivier Rioux has already become one of the most unforgettable freshmen in NCAA history!

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