Minnesota Gophers True Freshman Makes Another All-America Team

By Ezra Greenman |

Updated: Dec 13, 2024

NCAA Football: Maryland at Minnesota — Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers safety Koi Perich is the real deal, and there’s no doubt he’ll be suiting up on Sundays in the future. Hopefully, you’re not tired of hearing his name yet because his journey is just getting started. With three more years left at Minnesota, there’s plenty more to come from this rising superstar.

Coming from Esko, Minnesota, he had the chance to go to a big-time program like Ohio State, but he chose to stay close to home. So far, that decision is paying off as he gets to play in front of his hometown fans.

Minnesota Gophers Safety Koi Perich makes 247sports true freshman All American team

Today, Koi Perch added another impressive milestone to his growing list of achievements. He earned a spot on the 247Sports True Freshman All-American Team.

2024 247Sports True Freshman All-America Team. 🤩🔥

MORE: https://t.co/kpMUHW8mw1 pic.twitter.com/xzeaoFB01O
— 247Sports (@247Sports) December 13, 2024

Koi Perich has already earned a spot on the First Team All-Big Ten after the regular season wrapped up. Now he can add this to his growing list of accolades. With more awards and first-team honors from various outlets expected to keep rolling in, he’s likely not done yet.

Perich wrapped up the regular season with an impressive 42 tackles and 5 interceptions. On top of that, he earned the title of the highest-ranked freshman in the country, according to PFF, with a 86.8 grade.

Perich has also been named a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award. This is the most prestigious honor a freshman can earn. He’s up against some big-name competition, but there’s definitely a solid case to be made for Perich.

Finalists for Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of Year:

Koi Perich, S, Minnesota
Collin Simmons, DE, Texas
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio St
Dylan Stewart, DE, South Carolina
Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 4, 2024

Perich also recently announced that he’s sticking with the Gophers next year and won’t be entering the transfer portal, despite all the speculation. He’s just a kid who loves playing for the Minnesota Gophers, so enjoy watching him while you can.