Oregon lands elite defensive transfer in former Minnesota DB

Defensive back Koi Perich. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Oregon lands elite defensive transfer in former Minnesota safety Koi Perich

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 11:02 PM ET

The Oregon Ducks have reached into the transfer portal and gotten their guy.

Koi Perich was one of the top defensive players available on the transfer portal.

In fact, according to Rivals, he was the top safety available and the No. 13 overall player available after becoming an elite safety in the Big Ten over the past few seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Perich announced he was entering the transfer portal on Jan. 1, just days before it opened.

Now, it's being reported that he's officially found his home.

That home will be in Eugene with Dan Lanning and the Ducks.

BREAKING: Minnesota star transfer safety Koi Perich has committed to Oregon, @Hayesfawcett3 reportshttps://t.co/fJnFz4ds2q pic.twitter.com/o6s3vqXshk
— On3 (@On3sports) January 13, 2026

Oregon Ducks land elite safety in transfer portal

Perich was an All-Big Ten Second Team defensive back in 2025 after being named a freshman All-American in 2024.

He played offense, defense and special teams for the Golden Gophers, totalling 82 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, two passes broken up, one forced fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown.

Perich caught seven passes for 89 yards and rushed five times for nine yards on offense, and also returned kicks and punts for Minnesota. He notched 499 total yards as a kick returner and 118 yards as a punt returner.

Perich is an elite athlete, and he's now heading to a place where elite athletes can thrive at the highest level of the game.

Lanning, known for his creativity, will have fun using Perich for the two seasons of eligibility he has remaining.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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