But head coach PJ Fleck and his staff have more work to do because they’ve also lost 21 players into the portal. While most of Minnesota’s outgoing transfers are depth players, the’ve certainly lost his fair share of talent too.

That’s especially true in the secondary where Fleck and defensive coordinator Danny Collins lost two key starters, in Za’Quan Bryan (CB) and Koi Perich (S). Both will be difficult to replace, but the homegrown kid from Esko hurts the brand the most.

Every kid buying a Minnesota Gophers jersey the past two years have bought No. 3 with “PERICH” on the back. If you talk to casual Gopher fans who only know the name of one player, it was probably Koi Perich.

And now he will wear a different uniform in 2026. So far, we’ve seen Koi connected to both Ohio State and Miami, the latter of which employs his former coach at Minnesota, Corey Hetherman, as its defensive coordinator.

Former Minnesota Gophers superstar visiting new schools

On Wednesday, however, it appears Perich has found a couple more schools to flirt with. According to Matt Zenitz (CBS Sports), Koi is in Lubbock now, preparing to officially visit the Texas Tech campus on Thursday. It sounds like Eugene is next on his itinerary.

Former Minnesota star safety Koi Perich, one of the top ranked players in the transfer portal, is set to visit Texas Tech tomorrow and is also expected to visit Oregon, sources tell me and @chris_hummer.

Posted 128 tackles and six interceptions the last two years at Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/VmWMuFjPCR

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 7, 2026

As a freshman, Perich led the Big Ten with five interceptions and was a regular menace anytime the football went up in the air. In 2026, he grabbed just one INT. But more worrisome than that was when you noticed him.

Far too often, the true sophomore stuck out in a negative way, whether he was getting beat, showing up late in coverage or just missing tackles — a stat that Koi easily led the 2025 Gophers defense in with 23.

Koi Perich also saw his PFF grades drop dramatically last season. His defense grade fell from 88.9 in 2024 to 62.4 in 2025, and his coverage grade saw the biggest decline, from 88.9 as a freshman to an unbelievable 57.7 as a sophomore.

Koi Perich opening his transfer portal options back up

Wherever Koi Perich ends up, he will have to bounce back from season in 2025, where he came down to earth a little bit. If he is taking visits now, however, you have to believe these other schools are just as much on his radar as the Buckeyes, and even Canes.

Much like Ohio State and Miami, the Red Raiders and Ducks are considered two of the wealthiest NIL programs in the country. Thus, it is no surprise they are the new schools on Koi’s radar.

Still, it’s a bit surprising to see Perich visiting other schools like this. Many insiders believed just last week that he was as good as gone to Miami, to reunite with Hetherman — something our own Ted Schwerzler found out doing his own digging, as well.

Unlike their male counterparts, the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team had, what can be considered, a successful 2017-18 season. Last month’s upset victory over Green Bay (Nice), marked the program’s first NCAA Tournament win since 2009.

On top of tasting some March Madness success, the Maroon and Gold are set to return three starters for next year’s campaign. When you consider all of the positivity surrounding the women’s hoops squad, Monday’s news seemed to come out of left field:

Marlene Stollings leaving #Gophers basketball for Texas Tech.

STORY: https://t.co/unYDen0QPS
from @Marcus_R_Fuller pic.twitter.com/UfgbMGwEw3

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) April 9, 2018

Okay, okay. Do your thing, Marlene. Or should I say, Tubby?

While Tubby Smith’s departure was to prevent his inevitable shit-canning, that doesn’t seem to match the motivation behind Stollings’ relocation to Texas. Back in August 2015, even before the earlier mentioned success and seemingly bright future, her contract was extended through 2020-21. I know that doesn’t handcuff a University’s from moving in a new direction, but you’d assume the U of M was more than happy to pay her annual $500K salary.

Whatever the reasoning may be, it is what it is. This (despite what the NCAA wants you to think) is business. After four years as the HC of Gophers women’s b-ball, Marlene Stollings is onto the next one.

Speaking of onto the next one, we are probably going to want to hire a replacement. That makes sense, right?

In regards to women’s basketball in the State of Minnesota, Lindsay Whalen is the Queen (Beyoncé who?). While that’s the first name that jumped into my head to replace Stollings, the logical part of my brain got pissed. That’s a pipe dream, right? Surprisingly enough, maybe not:

Note: Whalen “has given no public indication that she won’t play in the upcoming WNBA season.“

Along with her Gopher and Lynx legend, Marcus Fuller’s StarTribune article mentions Aaron Johnston (South Dakota State HC), Niele Ivey (Notre Dame Asst.), and Nikki Lowry-Dawkins (Gophers Asst.) as other names to watch. With all due respect to those individuals, if I’m Mark Coyle, this shit is simple.

As long as there is a possibility that Lindsay Marie Whalen may become Minnesota’s next women’s basketball coach, this job stays open. The position is available at her convenience. What the Hutchinson native lacks in coaching experience, she more than makes up for with her basketball experience. Even if she can’t coach a lick (I’m sure she can), the recruiting implications alone would be positive.

I know my advocating for Whalen to call the playing part of her career quits may sting some Lynx fans. However, the 4x champs will be just fine. Cheryl Reeve is rock-solid. You’d also assume that Reeve would be a rock-solid mentor:

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com