Will Koi Perich return to Gophers or hit the transfer portal?

Key Highlights

• 16. The Gophers have had approximately 14 total players share intent to enter the portal, including two key players from last year’s team — backup running back Fame Ijeboi and starting cornerback Za’Quan Bryan.
• But losing Perich would rocket to the top of the list of defections. Running back Darius Taylor also left fans waiting to know his future but before the Rate Bowl in Phoenix last week he told KMSP-TV he is not transferring out.
• It’s more likely the Detroit native will be back in maroon and gold for his senior year in 2026 than go to the NFL draft.
• He needs to show pro teams he can stay healthy. If Perich returns for next season, he would take up a sizable portion of the Gophers’ revenue-sharing and NIL budgets.
• If he leaves — likely with more money on the table from other programs — the U will have that bigger pot to use in the portal on potential replacements and elsewhere on the roster. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPerich arrived at Minnesota in 2024 with aplomb. The true freshman safety was named all-Big Ten first team after five interceptions and 46 total tackles across all 13 games.