"They threw that bag" "$3.5 mil btw": Fans react as Maryland transfer guard Rodney Rice commits to USC

Modified Apr 22, 2025 16:25 GMT

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament West Regional Practice - Source: Imagn

Rodney Rice is heading out West. On Tuesday, the Maryland guard announced on Instagram that he is transferring to USC.

Recruits News also shared news of the Terrapins star's decision on their Instagram.

College hoops fans flooded the comments section with their reactions to Rice's transfer. Many suggested that the decision had to do with money.

"They threw that BAG," one wrote.

College basketball report suggests USC gave Rice a lot of money

"3.5 mil btw," another wrote.

An IG user says Rice's deal with USC is $3.5 million

"They must've gave him a couple mil smhh," one wrote.

A comment says USC must have given Rice a couple of million dollars

"Smh man Maryland a'int giving players the bag man and it's disappointing," another wrote.

An IG user expresses disappointment that Maryland didn't offer Rice more money

Others offered their opinions regarding what other schools Rice should've done instead.

"Shoul'dve gone to Nova," another wrote.

A Villanova fan says Rice should have gone there

"Woulda been a great Zag," another wrote.

A comment says Rice would've done well with Gonzaga

"Shoulda gone to Gonzaga," one wrote.

Another IG user says Rice should have gone to Gonzaga

What Rodney Rice brings to USC

The Trojans are gaining a versatile guard with a high basketball IQ in Rice. The Maryland native began his college career at Virginia Tech but appeared in only eight games as several injuries kept him sidelined.

Rice missed the beginning of his freshman season with a broken ankle before suffering a hand injury later in practice. After an injury-ridden season, the guard transferred to Maryland, where he had a standout sophomore season.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament West Regional-Maryland at Florida - Source: Imagn

Rice appeared in all 36 games for the Terrapins this season, making 32 starts. He contributed a team third-best 13.8 points per game and added 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The guard demonstrated defensive potential with 0.7 steals per game.

USC is gaining a solid scorer from anywhere on the court. In his sole season at Maryland, Rice shot 43.4% from the field, including 37.4% from beyond the arc. He made 81.4% of his free throws. Rice finds success setting up shots and handling the ball.

By transferring to USC, Rice will remain in the Big Ten. The Trojans struggled last season, finishing just below .500 with a 17-18 record. CBS Sports analyst Matt Norlander tweeted that Rice was looking for a deal in the realm of $3 million. Playing for USC will get Rice a good deal, and he will provide the Trojans with a solid shooting guard with a high ceiling.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Abhimanyu Gupta