Koi Perich named finalist for National Freshman of the Year

Perich is in rare territory.

Oct 26, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) runs with the ball after intercepting a pass against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers star freshman Koi Perich was one of five players named a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of Year on Wednesday.

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 was named first-team All-Big Ten earlier this week, but now he's a finalist for the best overall freshman in the country. Joined by Texas safety Collins Simmons, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart and Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, Perich has already established himself as a superstar on a national level.

As a true freshman this season, Perich recorded 42 total tackles and 5 interceptions. He was also electric in the return game with 19 punt returns for 173 yards and 15 kickoff returns for 298 yards.

Hailing from Esko, Minn., Perich will have beat out players from some of the top programs in the country to take home the award, but the fact that he's even in the discussion is remarkable.

He did not join Minnesota's program early. In fact, he wasn't on campus until June and he's already established himself as a household name in five months.

Perich was one of the highest-ranked high school recruits to sign with Minnesota, but he arguably exceeded expectations in his first season with the program.