The Oregon Ducks have done it again. For the second straight offseason, they’ve landed the top-ranked safety in the transfer portal—and this time, it’s Minnesota transfer Koi Perich leading the charge into the 2026 season.

Perich, who had a standout freshman campaign before a slightly quieter sophomore year in 2025, is stepping into the spotlight after the Ducks saw last year’s portal prize, Dillon Thieneman, depart as a first-round NFL Draft pick. The path is clear: Perich aims to follow that same blueprint, turning his talents into a potential first-round selection in 2027 or 2028.

It comes as no surprise that The Athletic has ranked Perich as the top transfer safety based on expected impact this fall. Analyst Sam Khan Jr. praised his versatility, noting that Perich is not only a two-time all-conference safety but also a threat on special teams and even at receiver. "He’s a terrific athlete with speed, range and physicality as a tackler," Khan wrote. "Thieneman excelled in his lone year at Oregon and became a first-round pick. It wouldn’t be a shock if Perich were able to do the same."

While Perich didn’t produce as many highlight-reel interceptions last season—he had five as a freshman—his sophomore numbers were still impressive: 82 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, two passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble. The sky-high expectations from his debut season may have overshadowed just how solid his second year actually was.

Now, Perich is set to fill the big shoes Thieneman left behind. If he can rise to the occasion, don’t be surprised to hear his name called early on Day 1 of the 2027 NFL Draft. For Ducks fans, the safety position just got a whole lot more exciting.