Nebraska Transfer Portal return not in the cards for former Husker

With the return of Jamarques Lawrence to the Nebraska basketball program and how well that went, there are plenty of Husker fans who wonder if there might be another guy out there who could have a Cornhusker homecoming. However, if such a reunion does happen, it doesn't appear to be with Eli Rice.

Rice played 17 games off the bench for the Huskers during the 2023-24 season but transferred to Penn State after that campaign. This past season, he played in 29 games, starting 18 of them, and averaged 6.7 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. Though he posted several strong performances throughout the year, peaking with a 20-point outing against Ohio State, Rice faded late in the season with just two points across the final five games. He began the year as one of the team’s best three-point shooters, including going 6-for-11 against the Buckeyes, but he closed the season knocking down just two of his final 21 attempts.

His struggles towards the end of the season might be one reason why Nebraska is staying away. Rice isn't going to worry too much about the Huskers not reaching out, considering there are plenty of programs coming after him.

Eli Rice does not appear to be a Nebraska basketball reunion option in the transfer portal

According to Tobias Bass, Rice has heard from Oklahoma State, Utah, UCF, Tulane, Seton Hall, High Point, South Florida, GCU, FAU, New Mexico, ECU, Davidson, Murray State, San Francisco, Seattle, Fresno State, UC San Diego, Long Beach State, Liberty, and Pepperdine.

A keen eye will note that Eli Rice has only three "Major" conference teams pursuing him, all from the Big 12. While a Nebraska basketball return isn't in the cards, he'll have plenty of options.