Minnesota standout Koi Perich arrives at Oregon to fill a first-round void, bringing the elite range and physical edge necessary to anchor the Ducks’ championship pursuit.
The Oregon Ducks lost one its most crucial players from last year's roster to the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dillon Thieneman transferred from Purdue before the 2025 season hoping to develop his skillset before jumping to the league. He did just that, becoming a ball hawk who became a much better tackler for the Ducks.
The Chicago Bears selected Thieneman with the No. 25 pick in April, and the Ducks have a huge hole to fill for the upcoming season.
Oregon was proactive on the transfer front, brining in another Big Ten safety in the transfer portal this offseason in Koi Perich from Minnesota.
Perich was a stud during his two seasons for the Golden Gophers, recording 82 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one interception and two passes defensed last season.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports ranked Perich as the No. 14 most feared defender for the 2026 campaign.
"Dan Lanning did it again after swiping another high-end Big Ten transfer safety to fill a void in the secondary," he wrote.
"After previously starring at Minnesota, Perich's instincts and range should allow Oregon to stay multiple without sacrificing communication or structure. He also brings a physical edge in run support, much like last cycle's future first-round addition, Dillon Thieneman."
Perich wanted to transfer to Oregon to play for a championship contender before jumping to the league.
“Going into the portal, I just really wanted to be on a national contending team," Perich said, via Sports Illustrated.
"Oregon has been in the College Football Playoff, I’m pretty sure every year, they are obviously a winning program. Dillon (Thieneman), he’s going to be a first-round pick, just hoping to do what he did and do it in my version.”
Perich could become a key defender for Oregon's CFP ambitions this season. The Ducks held up well against most team defensively last season, but struggled against Indiana in the regular season and CFP.
Oregon will be tested by explosive offenses in the Big Ten like Ohio State. The upgrade at safety could save a touchdown or two in a big game.