Florida’s Olivier Rioux to Hit Transfer Portal

The Rowdy Reptiles at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center won’t be chanting “We want Ollie!” next season. Florida basketball center Olivier Rioux announced his decision to enter the transfer portal after two seasons with the team, first reported by Jeff Goodman and later confirmed by Rioux on social media Tuesday.

“I want to start by thanking coach [Todd] Golden, coach [Carlin] Hartman, and all my coaches for their belief in my abilities and the support I’ve received since I stepped on the campus of the University of Florida,” Rioux posted on Instagram and X.

Rioux was a fan-favorite among the Florida faithful for his 7-foot-9 stature. He redshirted his first season behind Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, who were favored to headline Florida’s frontcourt. Despite not playing, Rioux was part of the squad that won the 2025 national championship in San Antonio against the Houston Cougars, 65-63.

In his second season, Rioux played in 11 games. He entered his first game in the final two minutes of Florida’s 104-64 win against North Florida on Nov. 6. 

Rioux didn’t see further action until Nov. 21, when Florida beat Merrimack, 80-45. He became the tallest player to score in a college basketball game when he went 1-for-2 at the charity stripe. His first field goal came Dec. 21 in Florida’s 102-61 win against Saint Francis with a two-handed dunk. 

In Florida’s 100-77 win against Alabama Feb. 1, Rioux scored a putback off his own missed hook shot to score his first SEC points. Rioux also got his first NCAA tournament points in Florida’s first-round win against Prairie View A&M, coming from another two-handed slam.

In total, Rioux only averaged 0.5 points and 0.6 rebounds per game. While Rioux won’t be part of next year’s Florida squad, he said he would always remember his time with the Gators fondly.

“This time together will always hold a special place in my heart,” Rioux said. 

Category: College Basketball, Feature Sports News, Gator Sports, Gators Men's Basketball