Could he join his teammate?
Transfer portal season is in full swing, and Tennessee will be one of the main players for several top options this offseason. With several starting spots and big roles made available after the likes of Zakai Zeigler, Jahmai Mashack, Chaz Lanier, Jordan Gainey, Igor Milicic and Darlinstone Dubar saw their eligibility expire, Rick Barnes has hit the ground running to round out the 2025-26 roster.
So far Tennessee has landed Vanderbilt power forward Jaylen Carey and Maryland point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie. With Kevin Willard heading to Villanova, the Maryland roster has been completely vacated. Could the Volunteers swoop in and add another former Terrapin?
On3’s Pete Nakos has logged a prediction for Tennessee to land the former Maryland guard Rodney Rice. Last week when Gillespie committed, he admitted that he was working hard to bring Rice with him.
“I’ve already started. Nate Ament, and my boy Rodney Rice,” Gillespie told 247Sports.
Tennessee has an obvious need for shooting guards with so many outside threats exiting the program. Rice shot over 37 percent from three-point range this season, averaging 13.8 points per game. Rice began his career at Virginia Tech, playing in just eight games as a true freshman. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Kentucky and Michigan have also been in the mix for Rice to this point, per On3.
Tennessee missed on Virginia transfer Isaac McKneely last week, as the sharpshooting guard chose Louisville. Rice might end up being the backup plan for Barnes, although he’ll need to add a few guards to round out the roster around Gillespie.
The Volunteers have been connected to several options currently in the portal. Those should come into focus more as this week goes on. One wildcard here? Five-star prospect Nate Ament, who Gillespie mentioned above. There are rumors that Tennessee has gotten back into the mix there and they could be waiting on a decision from him before going any further in the portal.
Stay tuned.