The Florida Gators have had a dominant run this season, cementing their place as one of the top men's college basketball teams. However, one of their most intriguing additions from the 2024 recruiting class has yet to take the court. That player is Olivier Rioux, a freshman from Canada whose presence alone turns heads.

If you've watched any Florida game, you may have spotted an exceptionally tall player cheering from the sidelines. Rioux, who trained at Florida's IMG Academy, has captured attention despite redshirting this season. His stature became an internet sensation during the SEC Tournament championship when he cut down his portion of the net without needing a ladder.

"No ladder necessary for 7’9” Olivier Rioux 🚫🪜 He had no problems cutting the net for the @GatorsMBK 😭"

The image of Rioux standing tall and effortlessly reaching the net went viral, highlighting just how remarkable his height is.

Standing Above the Rest: Rioux’s Historic Height

According to Florida’s athletics department, Olivier Rioux stands at a staggering 7 feet 9 inches, making him the tallest player in the history of college basketball. His record surpasses the previous tallest player on record, who stood at 7 feet 7 inches.

Born on February 2, 2006, Rioux turned 19 during his freshman year at Florida. His extraordinary growth was documented over the years, earning him the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager. His height progression is astounding—6-foot-1 at eight years old, 6-foot-11 by sixth grade, and over seven feet before entering seventh grade.

Florida head coach Todd Golden made the strategic decision to redshirt Rioux for the 2024-25 season, allowing him to refine his game and prepare for an impactful role in the 2025-26 season and beyond. Under NCAA redshirt rules, he cannot play in official games this season but can still dress for games and participate in warm-ups. His towering presence alone makes him one of the most talked-about figures in college basketball.

How Rioux Ranks Among the Tallest College Players

Rioux leads a small group of college basketball players who stand at least 7 feet 4 inches tall during the 2024-25 season. Among the five tallest, only two played a full season. Missouri’s Trent Burns, standing at 7 feet 5 inches, was also redshirted, while Purdue’s 7-foot-4 freshman Daniel Jacobsen was sidelined due to a broken tibia.

Here’s how Rioux compares to other towering players in college basketball this season:

(*Denotes players who redshirted in 2024-25.)

Although Rioux has yet to make his official debut, his unique stature has already made waves in the basketball world. With a year of development ahead, expectations are high for the 7-foot-9 freshman to become a dominant force for the Gators in the coming seasons.