Dan Lanning Gets Real on Koi Perich's Performance in Second Scrimmage

Former Minnesota Golden Gophers transfer safety Koi Perich looks to emerge as a leader for the Oregon Ducks' defense this season.

Oct 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) reacts to his teams win after the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Oregon Ducks, in their fifth season under coach Dan Lanning, will have several leaders who will emerge on their roster this year. On defense, Minnesota Golden Gophers transfer safety Koi Perich is among the potential leaders.

Perich arrives in Eugene as arguably the Ducks' biggest offseason addition out of the transfer portal. The Ducks hope for similar success with Perich at safety as they did with Dillon Thienman last season, who the Chicago Bears selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 25 overall.

Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) celebrates against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Perich has already made his voice heard as a leader for the Ducks defense, a quality Lanning noticed during the team’s second scrimmage of fall camp as Oregon continues to prep for its season opener against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium on Sept. 5.  

“Really heard his voice out there today. He’s been physical since the day he got here. There’s some things that he’s attacked and improved, but today is one of those days that I definitely felt his presence out there in the field, whether that be as a communicator or the way that he finished plays. And again, I'm still going to watch the film. I’m sure there’s some things for him to clean up, but he’s been a really pleasant surprise for us,” Lanning said.

What Koi Perich Brings to Oregon Ducks

Oct 25, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) returns a kickoff during the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Playing for a national championship contender is what drew Perich from the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" out west to Oregon. With his addition, Perich could be the final piece of the puzzle in the Ducks' quest to win their first national championship in program history. 

The Ducks' past defensive play in the CFP has cost them in reaching their national championship aspirations. In their last two CFP losses, the Ducks allowed 40-plus points to the Ohio State Buckeyes (2024) and Indiana Hoosiers (2025), two teams that went on to win the whole thing. 

With Perich’s leadership, the Ducks hope that trend changes. In his two seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Perich was the heart and soul of P.J. Fleck’s defense, producing 128 total tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack.

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) against the New Mexico Lobos during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Perich’s ability to make game-changing plays and his defensive awareness in tracking down the football and creating turnovers will benefit the Ducks' defense throughout the season. Alongside Perich in the Ducks' secondary this season will be sophomore cornerback Brandon Finney Jr., another potential leader for Oregon’s defense. 

Oregon Ducks Case For Best Secondaries In College Football

Oregon defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. celebrates an interception as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Finney is looking to build a case as one of the best cornerbacks in college football this season for the Ducks. He rose to stardom for his performance in last season’s 23-0 shutout win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the CFP Quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl, where he recorded six total tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. In addition to his stellar performance, Finney finished his freshman season with the Ducks, recording 42 total tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one sack. 

Finney and Perich look to emerge as leaders and form one of the best secondaries in college football in the first season under new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton, who takes over Tosh Lupoi’s position with massive expectations. 

The Ducks' offense, led by star quarterback Dante Moore and a loaded group of wide receivers and running backs, is arguably as good as any in college football, but sometimes defense wins championships. The Ducks' defense could play the biggest role in Oregon lifting the CFP trophy for the very first time at Allegiant Stadium on Jan. 25, 2027.

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