Koi Perich

Koi Perich is an American college football safety for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Koi Perich

Perich at 2025 Big Ten Media Days
Minnesota Golden Gophers – No. 3
Position	Safety
Class	Sophomore
Personal information
Born:	Esko, Minnesota, U.S.
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight	190 lb (86 kg)
Career history
College	Minnesota (2024–present)
High school	Esko (Esko, Minnesota)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-American (2024) First-team All-Big Ten (2024)
Stats at ESPN

Early life

Perich attended Esko High School in Esko, Minnesota. As a junior, he rushed for over 800 yards, notched 75 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, and 25 touchdowns.^[1] In the first game of his senior season, Perich intercepted two passes which he returned both for touchdowns.^[2] As a senior, he amassed 27 total touchdowns: 16 rushing, five defensive, four return, one passing, and one receiving.^[3][4] Perich also notched 76 tackles, three interceptions, and four fumble recoveries on defense,^[5] earning all-state recognition.^[6] He accepted an invite to play in the All-American Bowl, where he intercepted a pass on the goal line and blocked a punt en route to earning game MVP honors.^[7]

Recruiting

Perich received offers from schools such as USC, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Washington,^[8] as well as late offers from Florida State and Ohio State.^[9] He committed to play college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.^[10]

College recruiting information (2024)
Name	Hometown	School	Height	Weight	Commit date
Koi Perich Safety	Esko, Minnesota	Esko High School	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	Apr 19, 2023
	Recruit ratings: Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    (82)

College career

As a freshman, Perich recorded 24 solo tackles, one pass defended, one forced fumble, and five interceptions.^[11] He was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference and second-team All-American following the conclusion of the regular season.^[12][13]