Oregon's New and Scary Defender Named Top Non-QB Playmaker

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is expected to be in the Heisman Trophy race this fall, though it remains to be seen if he can compete with Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, arguably the best player in college football this year. 

Moore and Arch Manning will be jockeying for position in the 2027 NFL Draft, and the two could wind up facing off in the College Football Playoff. 

With that being said, the Ducks have lots of talent all over the roster, and a newcomer could be key to locking down opposing offenses.

Adam Rittenberg of ESPN named Minnesota safety transfer Koi Perich as one of the top non-quarterbacks in college football this year. Perich is expected to be a key contributor on defense and special teams.

"Perich has shown in his first two college seasons that he can impact games in multiple ways, and he now joins an Oregon team seeking its first national title," Rittenberg wrote.

"Although Perich's numbers in 2025 didn't pop as much as they did the previous year -- he had five interceptions at Minnesota and became the first FBS freshman since 1976 to record 100 or more punt return yards, 100 or more kick return yards and five interceptions in a season -- he still produced at safety and returner, while moonlighting at times with the Gophers' offense."

Perich is set to replace Dillon Thieneman, who went to the Chicago Bears with the No. 25 pick in this year's draft. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning thinks both players are similar in how they approach the game, but the two safeties have very different skillsets on the field.

Lanning has been pleased with how quickly Perich has picked up the Ducks defense during the spring.

"He loves the game, very cerebral," Lanning told Rittenberg. "He's a guy who focused on the things that matter for him. He's picking it up quickly, he's self-aware. There are some real great traits there that allow him to be good."

Thieneman was an absolute ball hawk last year, and the Ducks will miss that stability during the upcoming season. Perich will be better in different areas, and could help put up points via the third phase.