USC’s Rodney Rice Out for Season After Shoulder Surgery

BREAKING: USC guard Rodney Rice will miss the remainder of the season due to a right shoulder injury, confirmed by the university on Wednesday. Rice will undergo surgery, a significant blow as he has been sidelined since the Maui Invitational and has missed the last five games.

“Rodney is an instrumental part of our team,” said USC head coach Eric Musselman.

“He is a leader for us and has been the offensive spark that guided us through crucial games earlier this season. We will miss his energy on the court but know his leadership will still be crucial to our team’s success. We look forward to watching him attack his rehab and come back even stronger.”

The 6-foot-5 guard made an impressive impact during his time on the court, averaging 20.3 points and 6.0 assists over six games this season. Rice previously had a standout season at Maryland, posting 13.8 points per game in 2024-25.

This injury marks the second major setback for USC in recent weeks, following the announcement that Amarion Dickerson is expected to be out for three to four months due to a hip injury. However, there is growing optimism surrounding Alijah Arenas, the son of NBA star Gilbert Arenas and a five-star recruit in the 2025 class, who may return in January after suffering a knee injury earlier this year.

As USC, currently holding a record of 10-1, prepares to face UTSA (4-6) on Wednesday night, the team will need to adjust quickly without Rice’s offensive prowess. The loss of such a key player raises questions about their strategy moving forward in what is shaping up to be a challenging season.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how USC adapts to these injuries, especially with the upcoming game just hours away. The impact of Rice’s absence could significantly alter the team dynamics, making this a critical moment in their season. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.