Star guard returns to USC men's basketball for 2026-2027 season

Rodney Rice's return gives the Trojans hope for a bounce-back year after a disappointing 2025-2026 campaign.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, blue, and red conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The return of star guard Rodney Rice injects new energy and promise into the USC Trojans' basketball program.Los Angeles Today

The USC Trojans men's basketball team is getting a major boost for the 2026-2027 season with the return of star guard Rodney Rice. Rice, a transfer from Maryland, played only six games for the Trojans last season before going down with an injury. In those six games, he averaged 20.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest, leading USC to a 6-0 start. The Trojans struggled mightily after losing Rice, and they're hoping his return, along with the potential return of high-upside freshman Alijah Arenas, will help them bounce back from a disappointing 2025-2026 campaign.

Why it matters

Rice's return is a huge boost for the Trojans, who had a down year in 2025-2026 after multiple key injuries. With Rice back in the fold, USC has a chance to return to the upper echelon of the Pac-12 and potentially make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

In just six games last season, Rice proved to be a dynamic playmaker and scorer for the Trojans. His averages of 20.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game were a major reason for USC's 6-0 start. However, Rice's injury was a major blow, and the Trojans struggled mightily without him, losing seven straight games to close out the season and bowing out early in the conference tournament.

  • Rice played only 6 games for USC last season before suffering an injury.
  • The Trojans lost 7 straight games to end the 2025-2026 season.

The players

Rodney Rice

A junior guard who transferred to USC from Maryland. In 6 games for the Trojans last season, he averaged 20.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Alijah Arenas

A high-upside freshman who could potentially return to the Trojans' lineup next season and form a star-studded backcourt with Rodney Rice.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Rice was the Trojans' best transfer in his short sample size of games played. The former Maryland guard played only six games, but it was a very exciting stint with USC.”

— Micah Huff, Author

What’s next

The Trojans will be hoping that Rice can stay healthy next season and lead them to a bounce-back year, potentially with the help of Alijah Arenas. Their success could hinge on the health and production of their star-studded backcourt.

The takeaway

Rodney Rice's return to USC is a major boost for the Trojans, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025-2026 season. If Rice can stay healthy and Alijah Arenas can contribute as a freshman, USC could have one of the most talented backcourts in the Pac-12 and make a run at the NCAA Tournament.