One of the transfer portal's top players is Rodney Rice, a 6’4 "guard from Maryland. After leaving Virginia Tech, Rice became a key piece for the Terrapins this past season, starting 32 games and averaging 13.8 ppg, shooting 37% from three-point range. Rice had six games of at least 20 points, including 26 in the Big Ten Tournament win over Illinois, along with a season-high 28 versus Mount St. Mary’s.
Rice is one of the best available shooting guards in the portal. Six notable teams are in the mix, including two with clear connections with the sophomore shooter. Here’s a power ranking of his best possible situations to join.
— Rodney Rice (@rodneyrice__) April 10, 2025
6. USC
The Trojans have landed six frontcourt transfers this offseason but haven’t boosted the backcourt. Star guard Desmond Claude should be back, while 5-star guard prospect Alijah Arenas is going the group. Yes, Rice would be the starter at the two-spot. However, the Trojans are one of two teams in this list who didn’t make the Big Dance last season and compared to other potential rosters, would be the toughest to make the postseason, unless the frontcourt group breaks out.
5. Auburn
The Tigers have lost just about everyone from last season but have already reloaded their roster, landing forwards Elyjah Freeman, Keyshawn Hall, and Abdul Bashir. Rice would still have a role at Auburn even with Texas Tech transfer Kevin Overton. But compared to other options, the level and size of Rice’s role is a question with so many new pieces.
4. Villanova
Following Coach Kevin Willard over to Villanova is a definite possibility, and the Wildcats are still a nationally contending program. The team has landed transfers Bryce Lindsay and Zion Stanford in the backcourt, and Rice would be the clear go-to option. But even with Rice, Villanova isn’t a definite NCAA Tournament-caliber roster and has more work to do. There may just be better situations for him to join.
3. Maryland
While losing Coach Willard is a blow, the Terps bounced back to hire Buzz Williams, who consistently makes the tournament, coming over from Texas A&M. The current backcourt setup isn’t a threat to Rice either, with David Coit, Myles Rice, and Isaiah Watts all solid but not elite guards. Rodney Rice would be the No. 1 option and get to stay at Maryland, but a couple of better spots are more likely to win.
2. Gonzaga
The Bulldogs have yet to land a transfer this offseason, leaving the backcourt of guards Jalen Warley and Braeden Smith. There’s a big need for a scoring guard like Rice to be the focal point of the backcourt. Pairing him with returning leading scorer Graham Ike would keep Gonzaga as a top-15 caliber team and again, a contender to make the Sweet 16.
1. Tennessee
Coach Rick Barnes may have lost some big pieces, but they’ve already been rebuilding. They landed 5-star forward Nate Ament and Maryland transfer Ja’Kobe Gillespie. Rice would replace Chaz Lanier as the next go-to guy for the Vols and already has excellent chemistry with Gillespie. It’s the safest option for Rice overall and one that would end in the NCAA Tournament.