Minnesota's Koi Perich earns another preseason honor, named to Jim Thorpe Award watch list
Another day, another watch list nomination for Minnesota star safety Koi Perich. On Tuesday, Perich was named to the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award.
He is one of 35 defensive backs from across the nation to be named to the watch list. The Jim Thorpe Award is annually presented to the nation’s top defensive back.
Perich, this preseason, was previously named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list on Tuesday while also being named a preseason All-American. As a true freshman, Perich was one of the country’s best safeties, earning Sporting News Second Team All-American status thanks to 46 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and five interceptions. He earned All-Big Ten First Team honors for his play. He was also a standout on special teams, earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors as a return specialist.
More: Projecting roles for Minnesota Golden Gophers’ 21 incoming transfers as 2025 fall camp kicks off
Since the inception of the award in 1986, one Golden Gopher has won the award. In 1999, star safety Tyrone Carter earned the honor as part of a consensus All-American season for the Golden Gophers.
Perich and the Golden Gophers will kick off their 2025 season on August 28 against the Buffalo Bulls at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Which Golden Gophers have been named to preseason watch lists?
Maxwell Award: Darius Taylor
Jim Thorpe Award: Koi Perich
Bronco Nagurski Trophy: Koi Perich
Lott IMPACT Trophy: Anthony Smith, Koi Perich
