WELCOME TO NEBRASKA BASKETBALL: Nation’s No. 1 Player, 7-Foot-9 Olivier Rioux, Shocks College Basketball World by Flipping Commitment to Cornhuskers Over Florida, Duke, NC State, and Alabama
In a decision that has turned the college basketball world upside down, Olivier Rioux—the No. 1 player in the nation and the tallest prospect in history at a jaw-dropping 7 feet 9 inches—has flipped his commitment from the Florida Gators to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Spurning offers from blue-blood programs like Duke, NC State, and Alabama, Rioux’s decision to head to Lincoln has sent shockwaves through the NCAA landscape.
For Nebraska fans, this moment is nothing short of historic. Known more for their football tradition than their basketball prowess, the Cornhuskers have just landed the kind of transformative talent that can put them in national title conversations for the first time in program history.
Who Is Olivier Rioux?
Standing 7-foot-9, Olivier Rioux has been making headlines for years, originally entering the international spotlight as the world’s tallest teenager. Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Rioux turned heads with his sheer size, but he’s not just a spectacle—he’s a skilled and intelligent basketball player.
What makes Rioux special is how much more he brings to the table beyond height. Despite his towering frame, he’s surprisingly mobile, a strong passer, and possesses a soft shooting touch that extends to mid-range and even beyond the arc. Defensively, he’s a rim protector in the truest sense, altering every shot in his vicinity. His senior season at IMG Academy saw him average 26.4 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 5.8 blocks per game against elite prep competition.
NBA scouts have been monitoring his progress closely, and many already view him as a lottery pick, possibly even the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Why the Flip to Nebraska?
So why did a player of Rioux’s caliber, initially committed to Florida, make a last-minute switch to Nebraska?
According to sources close to the recruitment, several key factors played into the decision:
1. Fred Hoiberg’s Vision: Rioux was drawn to Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg’s pro-style offense and his history of developing NBA-caliber players. Hoiberg emphasized Rioux’s unique role as a focal point, not just another piece in the puzzle. “Coach Hoiberg didn’t see me as just a big man,” Rioux said in his announcement. “He saw me as a playmaker, as someone who can change the game in many ways.”
2. A Chance to Make History: Rioux saw an opportunity to leave a legacy at Nebraska. Instead of being one of many stars at a place like Duke or Alabama, he chose to be the star at a school on the rise. He wants to be remembered not only for his size, but for building something special from the ground up.
3. State-of-the-Art Facilities and NIL Opportunities: Nebraska’s commitment to athletics, particularly its investments in training and development facilities, impressed Rioux and his family. Additionally, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities in Lincoln played a significant role, with Rioux reportedly fielding substantial offers from both local and national sponsors eager to be associated with his unique brand.
4. The Culture and Community: Rioux mentioned the Nebraska fan base as a deciding factor. “The love and support I felt from Husker Nation was different,” he said. “They don’t just want winners—they want family. And I want to be a part of that.”
A New Era in Lincoln
Rioux’s commitment is already causing ripple effects. Within hours of his announcement, Nebraska jumped into the top five of the 2025 recruiting class rankings. Several four-star and five-star recruits have expressed renewed interest in joining the Cornhuskers, and the program’s social media accounts have seen a massive surge in engagement.
More importantly, the national media is paying attention. Nebraska is being mentioned in the same breath as perennial Final Four contenders—a sentence almost unthinkable just a few months ago.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just a big signing—it’s a cultural shift. Nebraska has gone from being overlooked in Big Ten basketball discussions to being labeled a legitimate contender. Rioux’s presence guarantees sold-out arenas, primetime TV slots, and national buzz.
“He could’ve gone anywhere,” ESPN’s Jay Bilas said. “But he chose to build something new. That says a lot about him—and even more about Nebraska’s future.”
What’s Next?
Rioux will arrive on campus this fall and is expected to start from Day 1. Expectations are high, but he seems ready to embrace them. With Hoiberg designing schemes around his rare talents, Nebraska may very well be on the path to their first ever NCAA Tournament victory—and perhaps much more.
One thing is clear: Olivier Rioux didn’t just choose a school. He made a statement.
Welcome to Nebraska basketball—a new giant has arrived. Literally.
