BIG NEWS: Nation’s Tallest College Player Olivier Rioux Enters Transfer Portal, Chooses Duke Basketball Over

BIG NEWS: Nation’s Tallest College Player Olivier Rioux Enters Transfer Portal, Chooses Duke Basketball Over Powerhouse Suitors

Durham, NC – January 5, 2026

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 Canadian phenom and the tallest player in NCAA history, has committed to Duke University after entering the transfer portal from the University of Florida. The redshirt sophomore, widely regarded as the nation’s most unique big-man prospect, chose the Blue Devils over reported interest from Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, and several other elite programs.

Sources close to the recruitment confirm that Rioux, who holds the Guinness World Record as the former tallest teenager, made his decision official this morning, citing Duke head coach Jon Scheyer’s vision for developing big men and the program’s storied tradition of national championships as key factors.

“This is huge for Duke,” one ACC analyst told reporters. “Rioux isn’t just a novelty – his size changes games. At 7-9 with improving mobility, he could be a rim-protecting force in the ACC.”

Rioux’s journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Terrebonne, Quebec, in 2006, Rioux comes from a tall family – his father stands 6-8, mother 6-2, and older brother 6-9. He began turning heads early, reaching 6-1 by age eight and crossing the 7-foot mark before seventh grade. By 15, he was officially the world’s tallest teenager at 7-5, per Guinness records.

After stints with international clubs and Real Madrid’s youth system, Rioux moved to IMG Academy in Florida, where he reclassified from the 2025 to 2024 class. Unranked or low-rated by traditional recruiting services due to his unique physical profile, he committed to Florida in November 2023 as a preferred walk-on.

At Florida, Rioux redshirted his first season (2024-25) behind a loaded frontcourt that helped the Gators win the national championship. This year (2025-26), as a redshirt freshman, he made history in November by becoming the tallest player ever to appear in a college game, checking in during blowouts. He recorded his first points – including a memorable dunk that barely required a jump – and drew massive crowd reactions.

However, with limited minutes behind returning stars like Micah Handlogten and Rueben Chinyelu, Rioux sought a fresh start. Entering the portal last month, he quickly became the most talked-about transfer in the cycle.

Duke emerged as the frontrunner early. Scheyer, in his fourth season succeeding Mike Krzyzewski, has rebuilt the Blue Devils into contenders again, landing top recruiting classes annually. Insiders say Scheyer personally recruited Rioux, emphasizing how his size could revolutionize pick-and-roll defense and lob threats in Duke’s up-tempo system.

“Coach Scheyer showed me how I fit,” Rioux reportedly said in his announcement post. “Duke is about winning titles, and I want to help bring another banner to Cameron Indoor.”

The move instantly vaults Duke’s 2026-27 roster into preseason No. 1 contention. Paired with incoming five-star recruits and returning guards, Rioux could form one of the most intimidating frontlines in recent memory.

Reaction poured in swiftly. Kentucky coach John Calipari tweeted congratulations, while Kansas fans lamented on social media. Florida coach Todd Golden issued a statement wishing Rioux well: “Olivier grew tremendously here. We’re proud of his development and excited for his future.”

For Rioux, the transfer represents a chance to step out of garbage-time novelty and into a starring role. At 305 pounds with surprising coordination for his height – he can dribble and has soft touch around the rim – analysts believe he has untapped potential.

“He’s not Tacko Fall or even Zach Edey yet,” said one scout. “But at 7-9, if he adds strength and footwork under Duke’s staff, he could be an NBA lottery pick.”

Rioux is expected to arrive in Durham this week for workouts. Duke opens practice soon, and fans are already buzzing about seeing the giant in Blue Devil blue.

This commitment caps a whirlwind portal period and solidifies Duke as the team to beat next season. College basketball just got a whole lot taller – and more exciting.