ESPN reveals biggest transfer portal addition for Ducks in 2026
Overall, the Oregon Ducks didn't make the biggest moves in the 2026 transfer portal cycle. After all, they're returning a bevy of NFL-caliber talent and have a number of talented rising true sophomores who made significant contributions in their first year in the program.
But that's not to say that the Ducks whiffed in adding via the portal. They secured the commitments of quarterback Dylan Raiola , a former five-star, and talented Ohio State cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. Tight end Andrew Olesh, also a former five-star, came over from Penn State as well, joining UAB wide receiver transfer Iverson Hooks in adding to the receiving core.
But none will likely have a bigger impact in 2026 than safety Koi Perich , who joined the Ducks after two standout seasons with the Minnesota Golden Gophers . Perich is who ESPN tabbed as Oregon's biggest addition in the 2026 portal cycle.
"A big year at Oregon helped Purdue transfer Dillon Thieneman solidify his status as a top-three safety in the upcoming draft," ESPN's Max Olson wrote. "Perich is hoping for similar results as he joins the Ducks. He's one of the more dynamic young defensive playmakers in the sport between his six interceptions over two seasons at Minnesota and his 1,119 career yards as a kickoff and punt returner. Perich was a first-team All-Big Ten performer as a true freshman in 2024 and should compete for All-America recognition as a junior."
As mentioned, Perich was a threat all over the field for the Golden Gophers . He was a star in the kick and punt return game, routinely getting kicked away from by opposing teams. But Minnesota also deployed him offensively, as he recorded five carries and caught seven passes for 98 total yards in 2025.
While it remains to be seen if newly-hired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer will use Perich on that side of the ball despite the talent in the receiving room, the option is certainly there.
But where the former Gopher will make his hay is at the safety position, where he established himself as one of the best in the country as a true freshman and sophomore. That run should continue under defensive coordinator Chris Hampton, who is likely to deploy a similar scheme as Tosh Lupoi and place Perich all over the field, similar to how Thieneman was used.
Thieneman helped his draft stock and made winning plays for the Ducks in 2025, two things that Oregon hopes Perich can replicate this coming fall.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: ESPN names biggest transfer portal addition for Oregon Ducks
