Rodney Rice, one of the top guards available in the transfer portal and a target for the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Tennessee Vols, has officially committed to the USC Trojans.
Rice, who entered the portal earlier this year, had narrowed down his options to six schools, including Gonzaga, Villanova, Tennessee, Auburn, USC, and Maryland. It appears the guard has finally made a decision after visits to Villanova and Tennessee and a virtual meeting with USC.
Rodney Rice stays in the Big Ten by committing to USC.
It appears that Maryland isn’t getting rid of Rodney Rice that easily. Maryland won’t have him on their roster next season, but Rice announced on Tuesday that he would stay in the Big Ten Conference and commit to USC.
NEWS: Maryland transfer Rodney Rice has committed to USC, he announced.
The 6-4 guard averaged 13.8 PPG on 43.4% shooting from the field. Great get for the Trojans. pic.twitter.com/cDg4kFNKKc
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) April 22, 2025
For Maryland, that is one more player gone from the roster that made the Sweet 16 this year, but head coach Buzz Williams has signed eight transfers from the portal, and more players are still needed in College Park.
Why did Rice choose USC?
Rice averaged 12.2 points per game as a sophomore on a stacked scoring team. Derik Queen and Ja’Kobi Gillespie brought elite scoring, often taking opportunities away from Rice.
However, he won’t have the same elite competition at USC, as he’s expected to be the top scoring option. He averaged 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Rice shot 37.4% from three and 43.4% from the field.
KEEP READING: Derik Queen’s Loyalty to Maryland Shines Despite Willard’s Departure
Rice also has the chance to play at an elite level in an elite conference. He has already proven he can play in the Big Ten, but now he has the opportunity to be the star of the show. Although there is a five-star recruit coming in ahead of next season in person of Alijah Arenas, Rice will still have more opportunities to score than he did at Maryland.
Finally, Rice might have chosen USC due to the financial compensation as USC haven’t received commitments from top stars which means they still have some money left to offer.
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