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Gonzaga's top Transfer Portal Target Announces Commitment Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Blayne Gilmer | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 11:21 AM ET

Rodney Rice, one of the top guards available in the transfer portal and a priority target for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, has officially committed to the USC Trojans.

Rice began his college career at Virginia Tech, but most recently played at Maryland before deciding to enter the portal for a fresh start. His commitment to USC gives the Trojans another talented backcourt piece, while Gonzaga is still searching for its first portal addition of the offseason.

For the Bulldogs, missing out on Rice is a notable setback. Gonzaga is facing significant turnover in the backcourt, with Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman both declaring for the NBA Draft and Dusty Stromer transferring to Grand Canyon University.

That trio accounted for the bulk of the team’s ball-handling and perimeter scoring responsibilities this past season. With their departures, experienced guard depth has quickly become one of the program’s most pressing needs behind likely starters Braeden Smith and Jalen Warley.

BREAKING: Maryland transfer SG Rodney Rice has committed to USC✌️https://t.co/DPpwUanDsI pic.twitter.com/mCKjG5YjOB
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) April 22, 2025

Gonzaga was considered a strong contender for Rice after a productive Zoom meeting between the two sides earlier in the process. The Zags were hoping that a potential visit to Spokane would follow, but Rice ultimately chose to stay on the West Coast and join Eric Musselman’s revamped roster at USC.

Rice brings a combination of scoring ability and experience that would have been a natural fit in Mark Few’s guard-oriented offense. Between his time at Virginia Tech and Maryland, he showed flashes of shot creation and playmaking that made him a coveted name in the portal.

With Rice now off the board, Gonzaga’s coaching staff will need to pivot quickly. The Bulldogs are still without a transfer commitment heading into the late stages of April and have multiple open scholarship spots. With limited returning production in the backcourt, expect the Zags to remain aggressive in their pursuit of experienced guards who can contribute immediately.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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