University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
DB
/ Football
Perich Adds Another Preseason Honor, Named to Jim Thorpe Watch List
7/30/2025 11:03:00 AM | Football
Last year, Perich became the first Minnesota freshman to be named an All-American since 1972 when the NCAA allowed freshmen to play to college football
Minnesota defensive back Koi Perich was named to the 2025 Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Jim Thorpe Association. Â
The award is presented to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Perich is one of 35 defensive backs on the preseason list.Â
Perich was also named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List earlier this week and has been tabbed a preseason All-American by multiple outlets this summer.Â
Perich put himself in a spot to earn the preseason accolades thanks to a dynamic freshman season in the Maroon and Gold last year.
The Esko, Minn., native was named a Sporting News Second Team All-American to become the first Minnesota freshman to be named an All-American since 1972 when the NCAA allowed freshmen to play to college football. Perich was also placed on the 2024 Freshman All-America Team by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), earned a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team on defense and was All-Big Ten Second Team as a return specialist. He was also one of five national finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Perich played in all 13 games for Minnesota last season and excelled on defense and special teams and even played a few snaps on offense. He finished fifth on the team with 46 tackles and had 2.5 tackles for loss. Perich led the Big Ten with five interceptions, setting a Minnesota freshman record in the process, and broke up three passes with one forced fumble. On special teams, he returned 16 kickoffs for 314 yards and 20 punts for 188 yards.Â
Perich and Minnesota start the season on Aug. 28 when they host Buffalo at Huntington Bank Stadium.Â
The award is presented to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Perich is one of 35 defensive backs on the preseason list.Â
Perich was also named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List earlier this week and has been tabbed a preseason All-American by multiple outlets this summer.Â
Perich put himself in a spot to earn the preseason accolades thanks to a dynamic freshman season in the Maroon and Gold last year.
The Esko, Minn., native was named a Sporting News Second Team All-American to become the first Minnesota freshman to be named an All-American since 1972 when the NCAA allowed freshmen to play to college football. Perich was also placed on the 2024 Freshman All-America Team by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), earned a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team on defense and was All-Big Ten Second Team as a return specialist. He was also one of five national finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Perich played in all 13 games for Minnesota last season and excelled on defense and special teams and even played a few snaps on offense. He finished fifth on the team with 46 tackles and had 2.5 tackles for loss. Perich led the Big Ten with five interceptions, setting a Minnesota freshman record in the process, and broke up three passes with one forced fumble. On special teams, he returned 16 kickoffs for 314 yards and 20 punts for 188 yards.Â
Perich and Minnesota start the season on Aug. 28 when they host Buffalo at Huntington Bank Stadium.Â
Highlights: Gophers 66, Northwestern State 0
Saturday, September 06
Sights & Sounds: Gophers-Demons
Saturday, September 06
Game Trailer: Gophers-Demons
Friday, September 05
Coach Fleck Previews Northwestern State
Monday, September 01