Koi Perich, a highly talented safety and versatile player from Minnesota, has committed to Oregon after two successful seasons with the Gophers. Perich, an Esko native, was a freshman All-American in 2024, leading the Big Ten with five interceptions and earning multiple All-Big Ten honors. He also contributed on offense and special teams, with notable highlights including game-sealing interceptions against USC and UCLA, and a 60-yard punt return. Despite his success at Minnesota, Perich decided to transfer to Oregon, a College Football Playoff semifinalist, aiming to join a playoff-contending team. He visited Oregon and Texas Tech before choosing the Ducks, who are backed by significant NIL support and a strong football program. Perich’s transfer is seen as a strategic move to enhance Oregon’s defense, especially amid uncertainty about the future of current safety Dillon Thieneman. Perich will have two years of eligibility remaining and is rated as a four-star recruit and the top safety in the 2026 transfer portal class. His decision reflects the evolving landscape of college football, where player mobility and program ambitions influence recruiting and team composition.