BIG NEWS: Michigan State Spartans Land Five-Star Center Olivier Rioux Commitment, Vault to No. 1 in 2026 Recruiting Rankings
East Lansing, MI – In a seismic shift for college basketball recruiting, the Michigan State Spartans have secured a verbal commitment from five-star center Olivier Rioux, the 7-foot-9 Canadian sensation known as the tallest player in college basketball history. The announcement, made on January 5, 2026, propels Tom Izzo’s program to the top spot in the 2026 national recruiting rankings, delivering a massive boost to a Spartans class already loaded with high-end talent.
Rioux, who brings unprecedented size and rim-protecting ability, flips the script on the 2026 cycle. Previously uncommitted in recent reports, the Montreal native chose Michigan State over late pushes from powerhouse programs, citing Izzo’s track record of developing big men and the Breslin Center’s electric atmosphere as deciding factors. This pledge catapults the Spartans past early frontrunners like Duke and Arkansas, cementing MSU as the clear No. 1 class according to 247Sports, On3, and ESPN composites.
Head coach Tom Izzo, entering his 32nd season at MSU, couldn’t hide his excitement. “Olivier is a unique talent – his size changes everything on the floor, but it’s his skill, humility, and hunger that make him a Spartan,” Izzo said in a release. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the family. This class is special, and he’s the centerpiece.”
The Giant from Canada: Olivier Rioux’s Remarkable Rise
At 7’9″ and 305 pounds, Rioux towers over the competition – literally. Born in Terrebonne, Quebec, on February 2, 2006, he comes from a tall family: father Jean-François at 6’8″, mother Anne at 6’1″, and brother Émile at 6’9″. Rioux’s growth was meteoric – 6’1″ by age eight, 6’11” in sixth grade, and over 7 feet before seventh grade. Guinness World Records crowned him the tallest living teenager in 2021 at 7’5″, a title he retains as his height reached 7’9″.
Rioux refined his game at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, dominating with blocks, rebounds, and altered shots. His massive wingspan deters drives, while he’s shown soft touch on lobs and emerging perimeter skills. Internationally, he’s medaled with Canada’s youth teams, including bronze at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup.
Scouts rave about his potential, comparing him to an even taller Zach Edey – Purdue’s two-time National Player of the Year. Rioux’s mobility for his size is surprising, and under Izzo’s development (think Xavier Booker or Jaren Jackson Jr.), he could become a defensive anchor and scoring threat.
Challenges exist: health management with extreme height and adapting to high-level speed. But Rioux’s work ethic shines. “Basketball is my passion,” he’s said. “The height helps, but I want to be great because of my game.”
Michigan State’s 2026 Class: Now Unrivaled No. 1
Before Rioux, MSU’s 2026 haul was already elite, featuring top-100 prospects like four-star forwards and guards. Adding Rioux – a consensus top-10 overall recruit with five-star billing – creates a monster class blending size, athleticism, and depth.
Key commits now include:
Olivier Rioux: Five-star C, No. 8 nationally – Game-changing rim protector.
Previous high-four-star bigs and wings for frontcourt depth.
Perimeter scorers and playmakers rounding out balance.
This group addresses future needs, pairing Rioux’s paint dominance with versatile wings. In Izzo’s system – emphasizing defense, rebounding, and toughness – Rioux thrives in pick-and-rolls, drawing doubles and kicking to shooters.
The commitment surges MSU to No. 1, overtaking Duke (multiple five-stars) and others. It underscores Izzo’s recruiting mastery in the NIL era, using MSU’s tradition, facilities, and Big Ten stage to land global talents.
Reactions and Ripple Effects
The basketball world erupted. Izzo’s phone blew up with congrats, while rivals lamented the “giant” loss. Social media buzzed: “Rioux in green and white? Breslin about to shake!” Fans joked about raising the rims in the Big Ten.
Analysts called it a “program-defining flip.” One 247Sports insider: “MSU just added a player who redefines the paint. No. 1 class undisputed.”
For Rioux, it’s a perfect fit – Izzo’s history with bigs (Magic Johnson-era grit meets modern spacing) positions him for stardom. Expect viral moments: dunks without jumping, net-cutting flat-footed.
As the 2026 cycle heats up, Michigan State’s move sets the bar sky-high – literally. With Rioux leading the charge, the Spartans are building a powerhouse poised for Final Fours and beyond.
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