James Rapien

Joined: Nov 1, 2021

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals, Reds and Bearcats On SI. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati and has spent a decade covering Cincinnati sports. He's the author of Enter The Jungle, a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals. Prior to joining SI, Rapien was a host and producer at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati.

Apr 10, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (6) takes warmups prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

News

Watch: Former Bearcats Star Lance Stephenson Gets Into Fight With Dwight Howard, Jordan Crawford in BIG3 Debut

Nov 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats former player Desmond Ridder during the first half in the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Football

Cincinnati Bearcats Legends Could Benefit From House Settlement Ruling Involving NIL Backpay

Recruiting

Cincinnati Bearcats Football Lands Exciting Tight End Commitment in Class of 2026

during the Cincinnati Bearcats football spring practice at Nippert Stadium on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

News

NCAA House Settlement Directly Impacts Cincinnati Bearcats Athletics

Nov 24, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant (8) celebrates as he walks to the locker room following a victory against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

News

Look: Former Cincinnati Bearcats Star Makes Top Rankings After Position Switch

Look: Former Cincinnati Bearcats Star Coby Bryant Makes Top Rankings After Position Switch

Nov 30, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Jeremy Payne (26) is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jiquan Sanks (9) in the third quarter at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

News

Instant Impact: Cincinnati Bearcats Hoping Young Defenders Build on Successful Freshman Seasons

Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; New Mexico Lobos head coach Richard Pitino reacts in the first half against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the NCAA Tournament First Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

News

Report: Xavier Hiring New Mexico's Richard Pitino as Next Head Men's Basketball Coach

Report: Xavier Musketeers Hiring New Mexico's Richard Pitino as Next Head Men's Basketball Coach

Former Cincinnati Bearcats and West Virginia Mountaineers basketball coach Bob Huggins was the special guest at the Harrison Sports Stag Feb. 20.

News

Bearcats Legendary Coach Bob Huggins Possible Candidate for McNeese State Head Coaching Job

Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

News

Watch: Bearcats Legend Travis Kelce in Trailer for Happy Gilmore 2 Starring Adam Sandler

Watch: Cincinnati Bearcats Legend Travis Kelce Appears in Trailer for Happy Gilmore 2 Starring Adam Sandler

Dec 9, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jizzle James (2) shoot the ball defended by Xavier Musketeers guard Dayvion McKnight (20) defends in the first half at Cintas Center. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images

Basketball

How to Watch and Listen to the 92nd Crosstown Shootout: Will Cincinnati Bearcats Beat Xavier Musketeers?

Nov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) scores a touchdown against Las Vegas Raiders place kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Football

Watch: Former Bearcats Star Tre Tucker Catches Long Touchdown in Raiders' Loss to Chiefs

Watch: Former Cincinnati Bearcats Star Tre Tucker Catches Long Touchdown in Las Vegas Raiders' Loss to Kansas City Chiefs

Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) rushes against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

News

Former Cincinnati Bearcats Star Jerome Ford Suffers Hamstring Injury

Former Cincinnati Bearcats Star and Current Cleveland Browns Running Back Jerome Ford Ruled Out With Hamstring Injury

Oct 6, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) catches a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Football

Look: Former Cincinnati Bearcats Star Alec Pierce Leads NFL in Key Stat

Former Cincinnati Bearcats Star and Current Indianapolis Colts Wide Receiver Alec Pierce Leads NFL in Key Stat

Basketball

Jon Rothstein Pegs Bearcats as 'Team on the Rise,' Expects Cincinnati to Make NCAA Tournament

Cincinnati Bearcats 'Team on the Rise,' Expected to Make NCAA Tournament

Oct 2, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) swaps jerseys with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) after a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

News

Former Cincinnati Bearcats Star James Hudson III Being Placed on Injured Reserve

Cincinnati Bearcats forward Aziz Bandaogo (55) dunks in the first half of a college basketball game against the San Francisco Dons in the National Invitational Tournament, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati.