The Florida Gators flexed their muscles both on and off the court on Friday, making a statement as they kicked off the 2026 NCAA tournament. The reigning national champions delivered a dominant performance, dismantling the Prairie View A&M Panthers with a staggering 114-55 victory, marking the second-largest win in tournament history.
The Gators' prowess wasn't limited to the hardwood. In the stands, a fan caught the spotlight with his impressive physique, becoming an overnight sensation.
A photo of this jacked supporter, shared by the NCAA March Madness X account, racked up over a million views in just 12 hours. Barstool Sports' Big Cat joined in on the fun, sharing the image and adding another half a million views to the tally.
But the excitement didn't stop there. Olivier Rioux, the Gators' towering 7-foot-9 freshman, took the court with the Gators leading 109-47.
Known as the tallest player in college basketball history, Rioux left his opponents awestruck. During his brief two-minute stint, he made a memorable putback dunk, showcasing why he's a player to watch.
The Gators' depth was on full display, with seven players scoring in double figures. Boogie Fland led the charge with 16 points, while Thomas Haugh and Rueben Chinyelu each contributed 14 points.
As the defending champs set their sights on Iowa, who they'll face on Sunday at 7:10 p.m. ET, the Gators are clearly a force to be reckoned with in this year's tournament.