Olivier Rioux Transfers to UC-Irvine from Florida Gators

Olivier Rioux, standing at 7-foot-9, has officially transferred from the Florida Gators to UC-Irvine. The announcement came via Rioux’s Instagram on Thursday morning, April 30, 2026.

UC-Irvine quickly followed up with a graphic highlighting Rioux’s impressive height. Known for its irony, Rioux will now play for the Anteaters, a mascot that contrasts sharply with his towering stature.

During his time with the Gators, Rioux struggled to find playing time. The team won a national title while he redshirted, which limited his contributions.

In the 2025-26 season, Rioux played just 16 minutes, scoring 7 points on 3-of-6 shooting and grabbing 6 rebounds. He also registered 1 assist, 1 turnover, and 2 fouls.

Rioux’s physicality and footwork have been points of concern, which likely influenced his transfer choice. The move to UC-Irvine indicates that larger programs were not interested in his development.

UC-Irvine finished last season with a 23-12 record, including a solid 15-5 mark in the Big West Conference. The Anteaters are a respected mid-major program that could provide Rioux with better opportunities to showcase his skills.

Rioux’s time at Florida may have revealed his limitations, but he aims to prove his abilities at UC-Irvine. The Anteaters will be an intriguing team to watch with Rioux now on their roster.

Rioux’s next challenge will be to find his footing in a more conducive environment during the upcoming season.