The 7-Foot-9 Giant: Meet The Tallest Player In NCAA Basketball History (2024-2025)

The landscape of college basketball changed dramatically in the 2024-2025 season with the arrival of a player who not only tops the current height charts but has officially shattered the record for the tallest player in NCAA history. The sheer size of this new generation of giants, led by a 7-foot-9 freshman, is a massive draw for fans curious about the limits of human potential on the hardwood. This in-depth look explores the biggest names in the sport right now and the legendary giants who paved the way.

The quest for the tallest player in NCAA basketball is more than just a novelty; it represents a unique strategic advantage in a game focused on verticality. As of late 2024, the title belongs to a Canadian phenom, and his presence on the court is already a historical event, setting a new benchmark for college basketball players.

The New King: Olivier Rioux (7-Foot-9)

The undisputed title of the tallest player in NCAA basketball history belongs to Olivier Rioux, a center for the Florida Gators. Standing at an astonishing 7 feet and 9 inches, the French-Canadian freshman has brought a level of size to the college game never before seen.

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Olivier Rioux Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Olivier Rioux
• Height: 7 feet, 9 inches (2.36 meters)
• Weight: Officially listed between 290 and 305 pounds
• Birthdate: February 2, 2006 (Age 19 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada
• High School/Prep: IMG Academy (Florida)
• NCAA Team: Florida Gators (SEC)
• NCAA Status: Freshman (Took a developmental redshirt during the 2024-25 season, serving on the scout team)
• Unique Fact: Rioux holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest teenager in the world.

Rioux's journey to the Florida Gators has been closely watched, not just for his height, but for his development as a basketball player. Though he spent the 2024-2025 season as a developmental redshirt, his enormous frame and wingspan are expected to be a game-changer for the Gators' defense and rebounding game in the coming years. His sheer presence alone creates an intimidating rim protection force, making him a unique prospect in the college basketball landscape.

The 2024-2025 Season’s Tallest Active Players

While Olivier Rioux stands alone at the top of the all-time list, the 2024-2025 season features a compelling group of other towering centers who dominate the paint. These players, all standing 7-foot-2 or taller, are some of the biggest names and most intriguing prospects in the college game. The size of these athletes highlights the constant escalation of height in elite basketball.

Here are the tallest active players in NCAA Men's Basketball for the 2024-2025 season, based on recent roster data and tournament listings:

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• 1. Olivier Rioux (Florida Gators): 7 feet, 9 inches. The record-holder, using his size to develop on the scout team.
• 2. Trent Burns (Missouri Tigers): 7 feet, 5 inches. A freshman center for the Tigers, Burns brings significant size to the SEC.
• 3. Daniel Jacobsen (Purdue Boilermakers): 7 feet, 4 inches. The sophomore center is a key big man for the Boilermakers, known for producing top-tier giants.
• 4. Aday Mara (Michigan Wolverines): 7 feet, 3 inches. Originally at UCLA, the Spanish center transferred to Michigan, bringing his elite size and international experience to the Big Ten.
• 5. Will Berg (Purdue Boilermakers): 7 feet, 2 inches. Though he may have entered the transfer portal, Berg was a notable 7'2" big man for Purdue, showcasing the depth of size in the NCAA.

The Legendary Giants of NCAA Basketball History

Before Olivier Rioux set a new all-time record, the 7-foot-7 mark was the historical high point, shared by a few legendary figures who went on to have notable professional careers. Understanding these historical giants provides essential topical authority and context for Rioux's unprecedented height. These players, often referred to as "seven-footers" or "giants," were often the subject of intense media scrutiny and fan curiosity.

Tacko Fall: The UCF Block Machine (7-Foot-6)

Tacko Fall, who played for the UCF Knights, was one of the most beloved giants in recent college basketball memory. Standing at 7 feet, 6 inches, Fall was a dominant presence in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). His college career was marked by incredible efficiency and defensive prowess.

• College Highlights: Tacko Fall is the all-time leader at UCF in blocked shots (280 career blocks). He also set a new all-time UCF and NCAA record for career field goal percentage at 74.0 percent. Fall helped lead UCF to the NCAA Tournament in 2019, where they nearly upset Duke.
• Impact: His size and infectious personality made him a national sensation, drawing huge crowds and media attention to the UCF Knights program.

Shawn Bradley: The BYU Shot-Blocking Phenom (7-Foot-6)

Shawn Bradley, a 7-foot-6 center, had an impactful, albeit brief, college career at Brigham Young University (BYU) before being drafted second overall in the 1993 NBA Draft. He was one of the most highly anticipated prospects of his era, often labeled a "shot-blocking phenom" due to his massive wingspan and defensive instincts.

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• College Highlights: In his single freshman season (1990-1991) at BYU, Bradley averaged 14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds. Crucially, he set the NCAA freshman record for blocks with 177, a record that stood for many years.
• Impact: Bradley’s defensive dominance was immediate, and he remains one of the most recognizable figures in BYU basketball history, paving the way for other tall, defensive-minded centers.

Other Notable Historical Tallest Players (7'6" and Above)

The 7-foot-6 mark has been the ceiling for NCAA basketball for decades, a height shared by a few other giants who left their mark on the game:

• Mamadou N’Diaye (7’6”): Played for UC Irvine, where his size made him a defensive anchor.
• Neil Fingleton (7’6”): Played for UNC and Holy Cross. He later had a career as an actor, notably in *Game of Thrones*.
• Kenny George (7’7”): Played for UNC Asheville, setting the previous height record before Rioux. His career was unfortunately cut short due to a foot infection.

The arrival of Olivier Rioux at 7 feet, 9 inches, officially establishes a new era of size in the NCAA. While the historical giants like Tacko Fall and Shawn Bradley demonstrated the potential of a 7-foot-6 player, Rioux’s unprecedented height presents a new challenge—and opportunity—for the Florida Gators and the entire college basketball world. The development of these towering athletes, from the freshman phenom to the seasoned pro prospects, will continue to be one of the most compelling storylines in the sport.