Former Gophers star safety Koi Perich committed to Oregon on Monday.

The Esko, Minn., native picked the Ducks over Texas Tech; the rising junior visited both of those College Football Playoff programs after entering the transfer portal last week.

Perich had an outstanding freshman year and a bit of a sophomore slump. He will look to bounce back with one of the Big Ten’s best and best-funded programs.

Minnesota defensive back Koi Perich (3) takes an interception into the end zone for a touchdown against Purdue during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

Perich is the highest-profile player to exit the Gophers roster after the 2025 season. He heads to Eugene, Ore., just like former running back Bucky Irving in 2022.

The loss of Irving stung as he put up two 1,000 yards seasons and has had success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Once he’s done at Oregon, Perich could represent another big one who got away from Minneapolis.

Minnesota and Oregon, however, do not play each other in 2026 or 2027 and Perich has two years of eligibility remaining.

Perich was a two-time All-Big Ten safety had five interceptions and and 46 tackles in 2025, but wasn’t as sharp last fall with one pick and 82 tackles. His overall grade from Pro Football Focus also dipped from 88.9 to 62.4.

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