Former Penn State men’s basketball guard Eli Rice has signed with Middle Tennessee State out of the transfer portal, he announced on Thursday. Rice has two years of eligibility left.

Rice was a three-star recruit out of IMG Academy in Florida. Rice committed to Nebraska over Iona, Rhode Island, Georgetown, and VCU. In his time with the Cornhuskers, he averaged 4.2 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. He transferred to Penn State after one season and played two years for the Nittany Lions.

Rice played in every game in the 2025-26 season for Penn State, playing 19.8 minutes per game. He averaged 6.7 points and 1.7 rebounds on 38.5% shooting from the field. He recorded a season high of 20 points against Ohio State in January.

Rice becomes the fifth Nittany Lion to find a new home following Dominick Stewart’s transfer to Richmond. Rice found his third collegiate team in Conference USA.