Heisman dark horse? Oregon's Koi Perich among 2026's most intriguing people

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

For the second year in a row, the Oregon Ducks landed the top safety on the market out of the transfer portal, adding to what should be one of the best defenses in the nation in 2026. Koi Perich has the potential to become a first-round draft pick, following in Dillon Thieneman's footsteps, while helping the Ducks reach new heights.

Perich arrived in Eugene this spring after transferring from Minnesota and quickly earned respect as one of the Big Ten's best defenders. He became a preseason All-American and could contribute on special teams for the Ducks as well as an option as a return man.

Perich's versatility, coverage instincts and tackling efforts make him invaluable to the Ducks this season, but his ceiling has yet to be determined. The Athletic compiled its annual list of the 25 most interesting people in college football heading into the season, including coaches and players, with Perich making this list for a second year in a row.

"Perich is a repeat member of this list, making it a year ago as a Minnesota Golden Gopher who had hopes of becoming 'the next Travis Hunter.' His 98 yards from scrimmage and solid-not-spectacular season as a returner left that hype looking unwarranted, but he was a second-team All-Big Ten safety who had 82 tackles and a pick-six," The Athletic's Joe Rexrode wrote. "And now he’s on a much, much better team. That, along with his presumed improvement, could make him a Heisman dark horse if he makes big plays in the right moments."

That's some high praise for the Oregon safety, who could be stepping into a center fielder role on the back end of the Ducks' defense. While Hunter did win the Heisman Trophy in 2024 as a two-way player, a full-time defensive player hasn't won the award since Michigan's Charles Woodson in 1997.

In two seasons with the Golden Gophers, Perich collected 128 tackles, six interceptions, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and one sack. He earned All-Big Ten first-team honors after snagging five interceptions as a freshman, and he could be the most electric return man the Ducks have had in some time.

Perich is one of the most important parts of Oregon's secondary as a veteran member in an otherwise young group. That, along with his potential ceiling, might be what makes him so interesting this season. The early returns in fall camp have been positive for the Ducks' secondary, including Perich. Time will tell if Perich is able to realize his full potential in Eugene.

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Heisman dark horse? Oregon's Koi Perich among 2026's most intriguing people

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos