Cory Pappas

Cory Pappas

Joined: Aug 29, 2024

Cory Pappas is sports writer for USC Trojans On SI and Oregon Ducks On SI. Since starting in March of 2024, he has been writing breaking news stories, game previews, game recaps, and more across College Sports, the NFL, MLB, NBA, and Olympics for Total Apex Sports. In addition to writing, Cory is also a sports data scout for Sportradar. He covers live sporting events ranging from college athletics to semi-pro and professional. Before joining the industry, Cory graduated from the University of Oregon in 2022. He ran track for Oregon's club Track and Field team. Before Oregon, he played varsity basketball and track and field in high school in Walnut Creek, CA. Cory is using his lifelong passion for sports and writing together.

Hamilton wide receiver Roye Oliver III (3) looks up at the scoreboard against Brophy during a game against Brophy at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Ariz. on Sept. 19, 2025.

Mar 31, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Christian Collins (11) during the McDonalds All American Boys Game at Desert Diamond Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

USC Trojans head coach Eric Musselman watches his team from the bench during the second half of their exhibition game at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.

Feb 8, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Eric Musselman looks on from the bench during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Jan 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans athletic director Jen Cohen (Jennifer Cohen), left, celebrates with head coach Eric Musselman after the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Trojan News

The USC Trojans women's water polo team won the 2026 NCAA Championship, continuing an impressive school streak.

Jan 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Alijah Arenas (0) enters the court before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Basketball

Three USC Trojans players were filed as early 2026 NBA Draft candidates: guard Alijah Arenas, forward Jacob Cofie, and center Gabe Dynes.

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA Southern California linebacker Eric Gentry (LB09) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

There are six USC players that have been signed as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Sep 25, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Football

Former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Dez Bryant revealed his ranking of receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, including USC Trojans wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane.

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California wideout Makai Lemon (WO29) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Football

USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon is the third highest ranked wide receiver on this 2026 NFL Draft big board.

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley walks on the field before a game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Football

USC Trojans commit and class of 2027 recruit, edge rusher Mekai Brown got a big boost in his recruiting rating.

Oct 21, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches from the sidelines against the Utah Utes in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley is excited about the team he has this season.

Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) and head coach Lincoln Riley react after the game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Football

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava is entering his second season as the starter for coach Lincoln Riley.

Jan 21, 2026; Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard KJ Lewis (5) controls the ball against the Villanova Wildcats in the second half at William B. Finneran Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans made a splash in the transfer portal this offseason with the addition of former Georgetown Hoyas guard KJ Lewis.

University of Southern California forward Jazzy Davidson (9) Monday, March 23, 2026, during the first quarter NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.

USC Trojans guard Jazzy Davidson met up with NBA legend, former Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson while receiving her USBWA National Freshman of the Year award.

Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans 2027 recruiting class is currently the second best in the Big Ten.

Feb 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Eric Musselman reacts during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Class of 2027 recruit, guard Beckham Black has a connection with USC Trojans coach Eric Musselman.