Olivier Rioux – The 7-Foot-9 College Basketball Giant

Standing at a listed 7-foot-9, Canadian center Olivier Rioux is widely recognized as the tallest player in college basketball history. After a redshirt freshman season at Florida, the Guinness World Record holder for tallest teenager transferred to UC Irvine in April 2026, bringing his extraordinary height and developing game to the Big West Conference.

Born in Terrebonne, Quebec, Rioux has been towering over his peers since childhood. His parents, Anne Gariépy and Jean-François Rioux, are both tall, and his older brother Émile stands at 6-foot-9. Rioux has represented Canada in multiple FIBA youth events, including a bronze medal at the 2023 U18 AmeriCup.

His height has made him a global curiosity, but Rioux is focused on building a basketball career. His move to UC Irvine signals a fresh start after limited playing time with the Gators, where he appeared in 11 games during the 2025-26 season and scored seven points.

How Tall Is Olivier Rioux?

Height
7’9″ (236 cm) with shoes / 7’5.33″ (226.9 cm) barefoot (teen record)

Weight
305 lb (138 kg)

Age / Born
20 (born February 2, 2006)

Team
UC Irvine Anteaters (Big West)

Rioux holds the Guinness World Record for tallest teenager, certified when he measured 226.9 cm (7 ft 5.33 in) at age 16. However, his college roster listing is 7-foot-9, suggesting continued growth. According to his Florida roster bio, he was 6-foot-1 at age eight, 6-foot-11 by sixth grade, and passed 7 feet the summer before seventh grade.

Key facts about his height:

Officially the tallest teenager ever certified by Guinness World Records
Listed at 7-foot-9 by both Florida and UC Irvine athletics
Guinness measurement at age 16 was 7-foot-5.33 (barefoot)
His college debut made him the tallest player in college basketball history
Comparisons with Victor Wembanyama (7-foot-4) are common, though Rioux is taller
No official barefoot measurement has been published since the Guinness record

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Olivier Rioux
Date of Birth	February 2, 2006
Birthplace	Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada
Height (barefoot / teen record)	226.9 cm (7 ft 5.33 in)
Height (with shoes / college listing)	236 cm (7 ft 9 in)
Weight	138 kg (305 lb)
Position	Center
College	UC Irvine Anteaters (transferred April 2026)
Guinness World Record	Tallest teenager (male) – certified
National Team	Canada (youth levels)

What Are Olivier Rioux’s Basketball Stats?

Rioux’s college statistics are modest, reflecting his limited role as a freshman. During the 2025-26 season at Florida, he appeared in 11 games as a redshirt freshman, scoring a total of 7 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. He made his historic debut on November 6, 2025, against North Florida, becoming the tallest player ever to appear in a college basketball game.

Florida Season Highlights

In the NCAA Tournament, Rioux recorded a dunk and two rebounds against Prairie View A&M. He was also part of Florida’s national championship team in 2025, though he redshirted that season. According to UC Irvine’s announcement, his college résumé before the transfer included these limited but historic appearances. Florida’s official roster confirms his biographical details and playing history.

International Play for Canada

Rioux has represented Canada in multiple FIBA events, including the 2025 U19 World Cup, 2024 U18 AmeriCup, 2023 U19 World Cup, 2022 U17 World Cup, and 2021 U16 Americas Championship. At the 2023 U18 FIBA AmeriCup, he helped Canada win a bronze medal, averaging 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Statistical Context

Rioux’s college stats (0.6 PPG, 0.5 RPG over 11 games at Florida) are low, but his playing time was limited. His extreme height presents unique challenges in terms of mobility and endurance, which coaches are working to address. His development at UC Irvine will be closely watched.

How Old Is Olivier Rioux and What Is His Background?

Rioux was born on February 2, 2006, in Terrebonne, Quebec, making him 20 years old as of 2026. He is the son of Anne Gariépy and Jean-François Rioux. Wikipedia reports his father is 6-foot-8 and his mother is 6-foot-1, while Guinness lists his mother at 6-foot-2 and notes an older brother, Émile, who stands 6-foot-9.

Family and Early Life

According to Florida’s roster bio, Rioux’s family members have backgrounds in volleyball and swimming. No medical explanation for his extreme height has been publicly disclosed, and there is no evidence of gigantism; his facial features are proportionally typical. His growth has been rapid but appears natural within his family context.

Where Did He Play Before College?

Rioux attended high school in Canada and gained national attention as a youth player. His Guinness World Record certification at age 16 boosted his profile, and he committed to Florida before eventually transferring to UC Irvine. Guinness World Records notes that his father is 6’8, his mother is 6’2, and his older brother is 6’9.

What Are Olivier Rioux’s Physical Measurements?

Beyond his height, Rioux’s weight is listed at 305 pounds (138 kg) by both Florida and UC Irvine sources. His shoe size is frequently reported as 20 (US), though this has not been independently verified by official team documents. No official wingspan measurement has been published.

Measurement Limitations

There is no verified source for Rioux’s current barefoot height, wingspan, or standing reach. The Guinness record measurement of 226.9 cm (7 ft 5.33 in) was taken at age 16, and his college listing of 7-foot-9 likely includes shoes. Without a new official barefoot measurement, the exact figure remains uncertain.

Health and Longevity Considerations

Extreme height carries known medical risks, including joint stress, cardiovascular strain, and potential acromegaly concerns. No public medical records indicate any such condition for Rioux, but his physical development will be a factor in his long-term basketball prospects.

Is Olivier Rioux Headed to the NBA?

There is no public evidence that Rioux has declared for the NBA draft or been drafted. His college stats are minimal, and most analysts view him as a developmental project. NBA draft eligibility typically requires at least one year of college, and Rioux is expected to need significant skill refinement before being considered a professional prospect.

Comparisons to other extremely tall players are instructive. Tacko Fall (7-foot-5) went undrafted and later played briefly in the NBA before moving overseas. Victor Wembanyama (7-foot-4) succeeded due to exceptional perimeter skills and mobility, qualities Rioux has not yet demonstrated at the college level. His future may lie in overseas leagues if the NBA does not materialize.

His transfer to UC Irvine gives him at least two to three more seasons to develop. If he shows marked improvement, he could become a draft candidate around 2028. ESPN’s coverage of his transfer noted the historic nature of his height but offered no draft projections.

How Did Olivier Rioux’s Height Develop Over Time?

The timeline below traces Rioux’s remarkable growth from childhood through his college career, based on verified sources from Florida athletics and Guinness World Records.

February 2, 2006: Born in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada
Age 8: Measured 6-foot-1 according to Florida’s roster bio
Sixth grade: Reached 6-foot-11
Summer before seventh grade: Crossed 7 feet tall
Age 16 (2022): Certified by Guinness World Records as tallest teenager at 226.9 cm (7 ft 5.33 in)
2023: Attended high school in Canada; gains national attention; bronze medal at U18 AmeriCup
2024-2025: Redshirt season at Florida; part of national championship team
2025-2026: Florida redshirt freshman season; 11 games played; historic debut on November 6, 2025
April 2026: Transfers to UC Irvine; listed at 7-foot-9 on Anteaters roster

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Olivier Rioux?

Established information

Date of birth and age (February 2, 2006)
Guinness World Record for tallest teenager (barefoot measurement at age 16)
College affiliation: UC Irvine (transferred April 2026)
Listed weight: 305 lb (138 kg)
Parents are Anne Gariépy and Jean-François Rioux
Has represented Canada in FIBA youth events

Information that remains unclear

Current barefoot height (no measurement since Guinness record at age 16)
Exact shoe size (reported 20 US, not independently verified)
NBA draft potential (no declaration or projections exist)
Wingspan and standing reach (no official data published)
Whether his height is still increasing

How Does Olivier Rioux Compare to Other Tall Basketball Players?

Rioux’s height is exceptional even by NBA standards. Only a handful of players in professional basketball history have stood over 7-foot-5. Tacko Fall (7-foot-5) played briefly for the Boston Celtics and later in China. Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, both measured at 7-foot-7, are among the tallest NBA players ever. Rioux, at a listed 7-foot-9, would be taller than all of them if his college measurement is accurate with shoes.

Victor Wembanyama stands 7-foot-4 but possesses guard-like skills, which made him the first overall NBA pick. Rioux’s game is far less developed in that regard — he plays as a traditional center and has not shown perimeter ability. His college production is lower than what Tacko Fall posted at UCF (9.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG), highlighting the gap between extreme height and functional basketball performance.

No evidence suggests Rioux has acromegaly or any related medical condition. His proportional features and family history (both parents tall) indicate he may be a naturally extreme growth case. If he continues growing, he could eventually challenge the title of tallest living person, currently held by Sultan Kösen at 8-foot-3. His Instagram presence has attracted a large following, and NIL opportunities are available.

Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Olivier Rioux?

The most authoritative sources for Rioux’s biography and statistics are his official college rosters and Guinness World Records. Below are verified quotes and source references.

“I’m Olivier Rioux from Quebec, Canada, and I hold the record for the tallest teenager (male). I’m 226.9 cm tall.”

— Guinness World Records kids profile

“Olivier Rioux has signed a grant-in-aid to continue his academic and athletic career at UC Irvine. He is the tallest player in college basketball history.”

— UC Irvine Athletics announcement, April 30, 2026

“20 years old WRG at @ucimbb ➡️ height : 7’9 with shoes… size 20.”

— Olivier Rioux’s Instagram bio

For statistical data, ESPN’s player profile provides updated game logs. UC Irvine’s official announcement confirms his transfer and height listing. Note that ESPN’s headline uses the spelling “Oliver,” but all official sources use “Olivier.”

What Is the Bottom Line on Olivier Rioux?

Olivier Rioux is a unique figure in college basketball — the tallest player in the sport’s history at a listed 7-foot-9, a Guinness World Record holder, and a developing talent who has yet to translate his height into consistent production. His transfer to UC Irvine represents a new chapter, but significant questions remain about his NBA potential and long-term trajectory. For now, he remains one of the most physically remarkable athletes in any sport. For similar stories about athletic transfers, read about Jamie Vardy Transfer News – Joins Cremonese After Leicester Exit and Lee Min-ho – Biography, Age, Drama List and Latest News.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olivier Rioux

What are Olivier Rioux’s highlights?

His clearest documented highlights include his historic college debut on November 6, 2025, his 11-game Florida season, and his international play for Canada, including a bronze medal at the 2023 U18 AmeriCup.

Is Olivier Rioux taller than Victor Wembanyama?

Yes, Rioux is listed at 7-foot-9 with shoes, while Wembanyama is 7-foot-4. However, Rioux’s barefoot height may be closer to 7-foot-5 based on his Guinness record at age 16.

How did Olivier Rioux grow so tall?

No medical explanation has been publicly disclosed. His father is 6-foot-8 and his mother is 6-foot-1 (or 6-foot-2 per Guinness). No diagnosis of gigantism has been reported.

What is Olivier Rioux’s wingspan?

Not officially measured. No verified wingspan data exists in any public source.

Does Olivier Rioux have siblings?

Yes, he has an older brother named Émile who is 6-foot-9, according to Guinness World Records and Florida’s roster bio.

What position does Olivier Rioux play?

He plays center, which is standard for a player of his height.

Where can I watch Olivier Rioux videos?

Highlights are available on YouTube and Instagram. The most viewed clip is titled “7’9″ Olivier Rioux Makes 6’8″ Look TINY THEN SLAMS It.”

What is Olivier Rioux’s shoe size?

His Instagram bio lists size 20 (US), but this has not been independently verified by official team sources.

Will Olivier Rioux be drafted into the NBA?

He has not declared for the draft, and no projections exist at this stage. His college production will need to improve significantly for NBA consideration.

What is Olivier Rioux’s height in meters?

His college listing is 2.36 m (7 ft 9 in) with shoes. His Guinness barefoot measurement was 2.269 m (7 ft 5.33 in).