Olivier Rioux Height and Age: Is the World's Tallest Teen Better Suited to Football than Basketball?

Florida Gators basketball player Olivier Rioux, officially the world's tallest teenager, recently drew headlines after trying out for American football. At 19 years old, Rioux's imposing frame has made him one of the most intriguing figures in college athletics. His brief stint in Florida's football practice field has sparked fresh questions about whether his height and build are more suited to special teams roles in football than traditional play in NCAA basketball.

Football Tryout: A Tactical Gamble by Florida

In July 2025, Rioux was invited by the Florida Gators coaching staff to participate in a football training session, specifically with the special teams unit. The idea was simple: use his towering height and long reach to block field goals and extra-point attempts. His physical measurements alone positioned him as a potential asset, especially in short-yardage situations where a standing defender could obstruct the ball's trajectory.

'I like the idea', said Florida Basketball head coach Todd Golden, as reported by ClutchPoints. 'I give them credit for trying it'.

However, early results were mixed. Reports from the training field indicated that Rioux's vertical leap was limited, averaging around 11 inches, as also noted by AP sports writer Mark Long. This limitation affected his timing and reach during simulated kicks, preventing him from effectively executing blocks.

What Is Olivier Rioux Height? Record-Breaking and Unmissable

Coming from a notably tall family, with his father standing at 6-foot-8 inches and his mother at 6-foot-2 inches, Olivier stands at a verified height of 7-foot-9 inches, making him taller than any current NCAA or NBA player. Born in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, the 19-year-old currently holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest teenager alive. He weighs approximately 305 pounds and is visually unmatched in height when standing next to teammates, coaches, or even opposing players.

In March, Rioux went viral during the NCAA Tournament when photographed beside CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson, whose average stature emphasised his extraordinary proportions.

His presence often sparks curiosity and media attention, leading to widespread social media coverage and interest from both basketball fans and the general public.

NCAA Basketball Status and Ongoing Development

Although officially part of the Florida Gators basketball roster, Rioux redshirted the 2024–25 season. This decision allowed him to focus on physical development, agility and adapting to the college-level style of play. He primarily trained with Florida's scout team and did not feature in official matches.

Coaches have highlighted the importance of patience in his development. While he shows promise, his coordination, speed and stamina are areas requiring improvement. His current role is supportive, with expectations for increased visibility in the 2025–26 season.

International Career and Market Visibility

Rioux has consistently represented Canada in international youth competitions, including the FIBA U16, U17, U18 and U19 tournaments. He contributed to a bronze medal finish at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship. His unusual stature has also attracted interest from brands, positioning him as a strong prospect for NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) marketing opportunities in the near future.