EAST LANSING, MI — In a seismic shift that sent tremors through college basketball, 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux, the Guinness World Record–holding tallest teenager on the planet, has announced his transfer from the Florida Gators to Michigan State University, committing to play under Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo.
Rioux, a Montreal native who redshirted during the 2024–25 season in Gainesville, stunned fans and analysts alike when he broke the news via his social media channels. “I want to thank Coach Todd Golden and everyone at Florida for the opportunity,” Rioux wrote. “But I believe East Lansing and Coach Izzo offer the best environment for me to grow, compete, and chase championships.”
Tom Izzo wasted no time welcoming his new frontline titan. “Olivier is a once-in-a-generation athlete,” Izzo said in a press release. “His size is unmatched, but his work ethic and passion are what excite me most. We’ll help him refine his game and unleash that rare talent on the court.”
From Gators Redshirt to Spartan Spotlight
- Development at Florida: Rioux joined the Gators as a developmental redshirt, training behind the scenes and adjusting to the college game. He impressed staff with his quick improvement in footwork and fundamentals.
- International Pedigree: The 19-year-old center represented Canada at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, showcasing his defensive instincts and soft touch around the rim.
- Global Media Star: Rioux’s towering presence landed him a feature in Netflix’s upcoming docuseries “Spartan Eternal: Legends of Michigan State,” which will chronicle his transition and growth under Izzo.
Why Michigan State?
Sources close to Rioux cite several factors behind his decision:
- Coaching Legacy: Izzo’s proven track record of developing big men—evidenced by stars like Draymond Green—was a major draw.
- Immediate Role: At MSU, Rioux is expected to compete for starter’s minutes right away, whereas the Gators’ crowded frontcourt limited his early playing time.
- Championship Aspirations: Michigan State’s consistent NCAA Tournament pedigree aligns with Rioux’s personal goal to win a national title.
Spartan Fan Frenzy
Social media exploded with #RiouxToMSU and #SpartanGiant trending nationwide. Current Spartans tweeted their excitement, with senior forward A.J. Hoggard posting, “Can’t wait to play alongside him—imagine the mismatch nightmares!”
As the Spartans prepare for summer workouts, all eyes will be on Rioux as he begins his next chapter. At 7-foot-9, he isn’t just adding height to Michigan State’s roster—he’s raising the ceiling on the program’s ambitions.
Welcome to East Lansing, Olivier. The hardwood just got a whole lot taller.
#GoGreen #MSUBasketball #SpartanEternal #TomIzzo #OlivierRioux #BigManEra
