Florida’s Olivier Rioux, 7-Foot-9, Becomes Tallest in NCAA Tournament History

Fans at Benchmark International Arena chanted for Olivier Rioux late in Florida’s rout of Prairie View A&M. The No. 1 seed was leading 114-55 when the crowd insisted on seeing him.

Historic appearance

Rioux entered with 1:54 left and finished the game with a put-back dunk. That play made him the tallest player ever to appear in the NCAA Tournament.

The game took place in Tampa on March 21, 2026. Announced attendance was 20,112 for the first-round matchup.

The moment and the play

Fans began chanting “We want Ollie” with 8½ minutes remaining. Rioux smiled on the bench and later waved to intensify the cheers.

He missed two early attempts but grabbed a rebound and converted a dunk. His final stat line was two rebounds, one assist, and that memorable score.

Records and background

Florida’s Olivier Rioux, 7-Foot-9, Becomes Tallest in NCAA Tournament History was reflected in the record books. At 16, he was listed at 7 feet 5 and held a Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager.

Earlier this season he set school milestones. He became the tallest player to appear in a college game on Nov. 6 versus North Florida, the tallest to score on Nov. 21 against Merrimack, and the tallest to make a field goal on Dec. 17 against St. Francis.

Development and role

Rioux redshirted last season during Florida’s championship run. He used the year to develop his 305-pound frame and improve mobility.

When he arrived in Gainesville, he ran the court in about 12 seconds. After extra work, that time dropped to near nine seconds.

Team context and reactions

Teammates praised Rioux’s off-court contributions. Rueben Chinyelu credited his work on the scout team and his impact beyond box scores.

He sits roughly a head above most teammates on the bench. Senior Micah Handlogten is listed at 7-foot-1, making Rioux noticeably taller.

Fan and community response

Some former IMG Academy teammates attended the game. Rioux had moved from Quebec to Bradenton to join IMG before coming to Florida.

Supporters like Ken Kirkley called Rioux an underdog who embodies the program’s spirit. The moment drew national attention and celebration.

Florida finished the season 27-7, with Rioux contributing in practice and games. His dunk became a symbolic step in a developing college career.