Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) intercepts a pass during the second half against the USC Trojans at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Koi Perich one of 15 named to preseason Big Ten honors list

Originally posted on Minnesota Golden Gophers on SI
By Tony Liebert | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 2:36 PM ET

The Big Ten does not release officially preseason all-conference teams, but rather a 'honors list' of 15 players. Gophers star Koi Perich was one of 15 players to be recognized on Tuesday.

BIG TEN MEDIA DAYS: Gophers star Koi Perich (@koiperich3) is one of 15 players named to this year's Big Ten Preseason Honors list.

One of many preseason honors for the Esko, Minnesota native. https://t.co/VFFSSRvleI pic.twitter.com/8y6YcKYyT2
— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) July 22, 2025

Minnesota is one of seven programs with a player recognized, alongside Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State.

Full list:

QB Luke Altmyer, Illinois
OLB Gabe Jacas, Illinois
DL Mikail Kamara, Indiana
DB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
OT Gennings Dunker, Iowa
C Logan Jones, Iowa
DB Koi Perich, Minnesota
OLB Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
DB Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
SAF Caleb Downs, Ohio State
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
LB Sonny Styles, OSU
QB Drew Allar, Penn State
DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Perich is one of four defensive backs named to the list alongside Ponds, Thieneman and Downs. He is one of nine total defensive players recognized.

Perich is coming off a true freshman season where he earned All-Big Ten first team honors after compiling 46 total tackles and five interceptions, with more than 500 total yards as a returner. He's expected to see an expanded offensive role in 2025, and he'll look to backup his all-conference season.