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.

Feb 1, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Hall of Fame inductee Troy Polamalu speaks to the media druing NFL Honors awards presentation at Adrienne Arsht Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dec 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Eric Musselman reacts in the first half against the UC Santa Cruz at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

May 2, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Bob Chesney reacts during the spring game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) leaves the field following the victory against the Northwestern Wildcats at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Football

USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava is heading into his third season playing for coach Lincoln Riley.

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Football

The USC Trojans have 56 percent of their 2025 snaps returning for the 2026 season.

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.

Football

USC Trojans recruit, wide receiver Roye Oliver III has reclassified from 2028 to 2027.

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

Basketball

USC Trojans 2026 recruit, forward Christian Collins is ranked among the best players in his class.

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.

Basketball

The USC Trojans appear to be on the rise heading into the 2025-26 college basketball season.

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

Basketball

Here is where the USC Trojans land in these way-too-early 2027 NCAA Tournament projections with the possibility of expansion on the horizon.

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

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

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

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

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