As a 4-star and 94 overall rating at 247Sports, Koi Perich is the best high school prospect in the state of Minnesota for the 2024 recruiting class, and the 3rd highest rated Gopher football commit of the internet age.
If Perich, the #87 ranked football recruit in the nation, ever plays a snap for the University of Minnesota, he’ll be the 2nd highest rated recruit to ever do so (according to 247Sports Composite Ratings), behind only Carter Coughlin.
But after Koi took a visit to Ohio State a couple of weekends ago, it didn’t seem likely that would ever actually come to fruition. We’ve seen it happen before and Koi appeared to be the next surefire bet to decommit from Minnesota, in favor of a helmet school or bit time NIL offer.
Koi Perich expected to sign with Minnesota Gophers on NSD
Then, less than 48 hours from the start of National Signing Day, this tweet from 247Sports lead national recruiting analyst, Steve Wiltfong, happened:
Sounds like Top247 safety Koi Perich will stick with his commitment to #Minnesota after talking to a source. Ohio State, Florida State and a couple others pursued him as a senior. https://t.co/0EnZ5JIOg7
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) December 18, 2023
When I caught wind of this news, I almost fell out of my desk chair. Sure, when Koi Perich cancelled his final recruiting visit to Florida State (which was planned for this last weekend), I had hope he did so because visiting Columbus the weekend prior made him realize how much he wanted to stay home and be a Minnesota Gopher.
Do you believe in recruiting miracles…?
In the same breath, I also consider myself a realist. And realistically speaking, if you were following anybody with their ear to the college football recruiting landscape, it did not seem remotely possible that Perich would wear a maroon and gold uniform in 2024.
Yet, here we are.
When Koi Perich first announced his commitment to the University of Minnesota, he made bold statements claiming no NIL offer or helmet school suitor could keep him from his Gopher destiny.
“I’m 100% going to stay with the Gophers. They’re the school that I think I see myself in. Even if a cash check comes my way from elsewhere. I’m going to stay with the Gophers. I want to write my own story, so let’s keep it going.”
Koi Perich via GopherIllustrated.com (247Sports)
While keeping his promise was probably a lot more difficult than he had planned, when he originally made that vow, he still found a way to keep his word to Gopher nation and the rest of his new teammates. Now, we have less than 48 hours to hope and pray that he doesn’t change his mind.
Koi Perich’s high school highlights will make shock you
And Minnesota Gophers fans, I feel it’s important to remind you that Koi Perich isn’t just another solid college football recruit. Even as the 3rd highest Gopher commit in internet history (4-star, 94 OVR Rating), he’s under-valued. Turn on the tape and find out for yourself.
