A prominent figure in the college basketball transfer portal, Rodney Rice, is expanding his options by visiting Southern California (USC). The talented shooting guard recently concluded a weekend visit at Tennessee and has now set his sights on another prestigious program. Despite initially stating he wouldn't pursue further visits, Rice decided to explore USC after evaluating his choices. This development comes as Rice also weighs offers from Villanova, Auburn, and Gonzaga.

Known for his exceptional scoring ability, Rice demonstrated remarkable performance during his redshirt sophomore season at Maryland. Standing at 6-foot-4, he averaged 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His prowess from beyond the arc was evident as he successfully sank 80 three-pointers last season with a 37% success rate. Over the final stretch of Maryland’s campaign, Rice elevated his game, averaging 15.5 points per contest, contributing significantly to the Terrapins' Sweet 16 appearance—their first since 2016.

Beyond his individual achievements, Rice values team dynamics and competitive environments. Playing alongside Tennessee's recent transfer commit, Gillespie, could enhance their synergy, given their successful partnership at Maryland. Tennessee’s appeal lies not only in continuing this collaboration but also in its commitment to achieving higher levels of success, such as advancing deep into the NCAA tournament. For Rice, who hails from Clinton, Maryland, choosing a destination that prioritizes winning aligns with his aspirations to surpass previous accomplishments. As Tennessee continues shaping its roster for the upcoming seasons, securing versatile talents like Rice remains pivotal in maintaining a competitive edge.