Rodney Rice is set to make his long‑awaited return to the court after a shoulder injury ended his previous season early, and the USC guard arrives with a proven scoring pedigree that could reshape the team's fortunes.
In his first year with the Trojans he posted a 20.3‑point per game average, a performance that earned him the No. 23 spot on CBS Sports' top‑25 retentions list for the 2026‑27 college basketball season.
Rice's collegiate path began at Virginia Tech, where he redshirted in 2023‑24 before spending a season at Maryland, and now he is entering his second year in Los Angeles, bringing a blend of experience and fresh energy to the program.
USC coach Eric Musselman, in his third year at the helm, is also eager to break a three‑year NCAA Tournament drought that has lingered over the program, a streak that has kept the Trojans out of March Madness since their last appearance.
The tournament field is expanding from 68 to 76 teams this season, adding eight at‑large bids that could provide the Trojans with a clearer pathway back to the national stage.
Looking ahead
With Rice's scoring ability, Musselman's third‑year momentum, and the broader expansion of the tournament, the Trojans appear poised to mount a serious challenge. Their success will hinge on how quickly Rice can integrate into the system and how effectively the coaching staff can leverage his presence to break the drought that has defined the program in recent years.