Oregon Ducks Land Top Transfer Safety Koi Perich

Coach Dan Lanning continues trend of adding impact players from the transfer portal.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Oregon Ducks have added former Minnesota safety Koi Perich to their roster through the transfer portal. Perich was a standout for the Golden Gophers, recording 128 total tackles, 6 interceptions, 4 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 sack over his last two seasons. He is expected to be an immediate starter for the Ducks' defense.

Why it matters

Oregon has made a habit of bringing in top talent through the transfer portal under coach Dan Lanning. Last year, the addition of safety Dillon Thieneman proved to be a key move, and the Ducks are hoping Perich can have a similar impact this season. With Perich's playmaking ability, Oregon's defense should be even more formidable in 2026.

The details

Perich had a standout career at Minnesota, recording 46 tackles and 5 interceptions as a freshman in 2024, followed by 82 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown in 2025. He was listed as one of the top transfer additions to watch this spring by Bleacher Report's Brad Shepard, who said "Adding Koi Perich to Oregon's star-loaded roster was like putting a Ferrari engine in a Maserati." In addition to Perich, the Ducks have also brought in high-profile transfer quarterback Dylan Raiola from Nebraska, though he is expected to be the backup this season.

  • Perich recorded 46 tackles and 5 interceptions as a freshman at Minnesota in 2024.
  • In 2025, Perich had 82 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown for the Golden Gophers.

The players

Koi Perich

A talented safety who transferred from Minnesota to Oregon, Perich had 128 total tackles, 6 interceptions, 4 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 sack over his last two seasons with the Golden Gophers.

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks, Lanning has continued to bring in impact players through the transfer portal, including the addition of Perich.

Dillon Thieneman

A safety who transferred to Oregon last season and became a leader and playmaker on the Ducks' defense.

Dylan Raiola

A quarterback who transferred from Nebraska to Oregon, Raiola is expected to be the backup this season as he recovers from a broken leg.

Dante Moore

The returning starting quarterback for the Oregon Ducks.

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What they’re saying

“Adding Koi Perich to Oregon's star-loaded roster was like putting a Ferrari engine in a Maserati.”

— Brad Shepard, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

“Last year, the Ducks added Dillon Thieneman at the safety position, and he wound up being a leader and a playmaker on a loaded defense. Coach Dan Lanning's defense should be even better this year, and getting Perich in the mix is almost unfair.”

— Brad Shepard, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

The takeaway

Oregon's continued success in the transfer portal, highlighted by the addition of impact players like Koi Perich, demonstrates the program's ability to quickly reload and remain a top contender in college football.