In a move that has college basketball fans doing a double-take, the tallest player in NCAA history is officially on the move. Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 giant who spent the last two seasons with the Florida Gators, has announced his transfer to UC-Irvine.

Rioux broke the news on his Instagram Thursday morning, and the Anteaters quickly followed up with a playful graphic that hilariously emphasizes just how massive he is—a towering figure even by Division I standards. And yes, the irony is hard to miss: Rioux now plays for the Anteaters, a creature known for being low to the ground. Talk about a visual contrast.

Standing nearly eight feet tall, Rioux arrived at Florida with sky-high expectations but found the SEC a tough proving ground. He redshirted his first year as the Gators went on to win a national title, and his playing time remained limited in the 2025-26 season. Over 16 total minutes of action, he posted 7 points, 6 rebounds, and a block—modest numbers that hint at the raw potential still waiting to be unlocked.

His game lacks the refined footwork and physicality needed to dominate at the highest level, but that's exactly what makes this transfer so intriguing. By moving to the Big West Conference, Rioux is betting on a fresh start where he can find more consistent minutes and develop at his own pace.

UC-Irvine isn't just any mid-major—they're a solid program coming off a 23-12 season and a 15-5 conference record. While the biggest programs may have passed on him, the Anteaters are getting a unique project with unmatched size. And you can bet that whenever Rioux checks in, the crowd—and the TV audience—will be watching closely.

His time in Gainesville showed what he isn't yet. His time in Irvine might just show what he can become.