Star safety Koi Perich hits the portal. The Miami Hurricanes' defensive coordinator connection could lure the elite Big Ten talent.
As it's gameday for the Miami Hurricanes, preparing to face another SEC program in the Ole Miss Rebels in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals, the business side of college football waits for nobody. The transfer portal had officially opened, with a lot of tremendous talent seeking new opportunities. There are a great number of players that would be excellent additions to the program next season, but this one has a connection.
It was reported that safety Koi Perich has officially entered the transfer portal, having spent two seasons in the Big 10 with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, recording 128 total tackles, 67 solos and 61 assists, 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions, with one resulting in a 27-yard touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He's regarded as one of the players available on the market.
The 20-year-old was a four-star recruit coming out of Esko High School, receiving interest from multiple powerhouse programs, such as the Ohio State Buckeyes, Florida State Seminoles, and Michigan Wolverines, etc. Perich decided to commit to the Golden Gopher on April 19th, 2023. He played under defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman as a freshman before joining the Hurricanes' staff the following year.
That connection and familiarity could play a role in the recruiting process. As the Hurricanes will face a few departures after the College Football Playoffs, most notably Jakobe Thomas and Keionte Scott, due to the fulfillment of eligibility, depth will be needed.
The program has seen a massive turnaround, especially on the defensive side of the field, under the leadership of Hetherman. Perich will have two years of eligibility remaining. It was also reported that he scheduled visits with the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Oregon Ducks, another College Football Playoff contender.
It may be difficult to earn Perich's commitment, given his tremendously high value on the market, but the Hurricanes aren't one to worry about finances. Also, having a safety partner in Bryce Fitzgerald, who had two crucial interceptions in the first round of the College Football Playoffs against the Texas A&M Aggies, would be another attraction.
Regardless, the business side of college football has grown crazier year after year, with thousands of players entering the transfer portal, whether or not for the right reasons. However, the Hurricanes have done a tremendous job at attacking it over the last couple of years. There's no doubt in the program's ability to do it again, but the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals remain a top priority. There's no point in focusing on a future when there's so much at stake in the present.
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