dailyloe.com – Olivier Rioux, standing at 7-foot-9, has announced his transfer from the Florida Gators to UC-Irvine. This decision was made public via his Instagram on Thursday morning, April 30, 2026. UC-Irvine later confirmed the transfer with a graphic highlighting Rioux’s impressive height.
Rioux’s time at Florida was challenging, as he redshirted during a season when the team won a national title. He struggled to find playing time, participating in just 16 minutes during the 2025-26 season. He recorded 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist in his limited appearances.
Despite his towering presence, Rioux faced difficulties with physicality and footwork, which hindered his impact on the court. His transfer to UC-Irvine suggests that larger programs may have overlooked him, but the Anteaters offer a promising opportunity. They finished last season with a record of 23-12, including 15-5 in the Big West Conference.
Rioux’s hope is that his time at UC-Irvine will allow him to showcase his abilities more effectively. The Anteaters are a respected mid-major program, and his presence is likely to draw more attention during games.
