Top In-State 2024 Recruit Koi Perich Officially Signs with Gophers

It’s early on National Signing Day morning and, while PJ Fleck hit some late roadblocks in the days leading up to Wednesday, it’s already been a really good day.

Koi Perich officially signs with Minnesota Gophers

Most National Letters of Intent have already rolled through the fax machine, including Esko, MN top-100 safety, 4-star Koi Perich, who wasn’t expected to sign until later in the afternoon.

The number one player in the state of Minnesota❕@koiperich3 is staying home🚣‍♂️#RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/D3Cul8TRjG

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) December 20, 2023

The first time Perich steps on a college football field, which is expected to be game one of next season, he’ll become the 2nd highest-rated 247 composite recruit of the internet age (4-star | .9469 Rating) to ever play a snap for the Gophers. Fellow Minnesotan, Carter Coughlin (4-star | .9566 Rating) from the 2016 class, the only guy ahead of him.

Related: Minnesota Gophers National Signing Day Signees – 2024

Fleck & Co stave off late push by Ohio State and Florida State

Just a few days ago, nobody really expected Perich to sign at all. Ohio State and Florida State made hard, late charges at Koi and, when he made his visit to Columbus a couple of weekends ago, we all were ready for the bad news after.

But then… news broke on Sunday that, instead of flipping to Ohio State, the 6-1, 200 LB secondary freak athlete was turning his back on all of the sparkle, shine and NIL that comes with being a Buckeye, in favor of his home state Gophers. A decision we rarely see made from kids with the offers and talent the Koi Perich has.

Explosive, versatile and homegrown😤 pic.twitter.com/QUhXwFyxSo

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) December 20, 2023