Rao appeared in seven games during his first season at Northwestern, collecting three hits and drawing a walk. Prior to joining the Wildcats, Rao made 15 starts in 2022 at USF and was named to the American Athletic Conference Honor Roll. He has also spent time at Bossier Parish Community College.

Prior to coming to the North Shore, Rao spent the last two summers playing for the Winter Garden Squeeze of the Florida Collegiate Summer League, playing in 60 total games with 45 hits, 28 RBI, and 29 runs. Rao earned All-State honors as a senior at Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando, Fla.