Gophers stars Koi Perich and Darius Taylor say they will return to the U for 2025
The talented safety and tailback announced their intentions Friday.
Two of the Gophers football program’s most-important players vowed Friday to return for the 2025 season.
Running back Darius Taylor and safety Koi Perich — two of the U’s biggest targets for other schools to poach via the NCAA transfer portal — said on X they “are not going anywhere.”
Each player used his platform on social media to encourage Gopher fans to support them and their teammates with NIL (name, image and likeness) compensation via the Roy App.
After a sensational freshman season, Perich was named first team all-Big Ten first team by the conference’s coaches and media members. Perich was tied for third in the nation with five interceptions this season. The Esko, Minn., native was sixth on the team with 42 total tackles, including two for lost yards. He dabbled on offense as a receiver and running back, but didn’t record a carry or catch.
Taylor was named all-Big Ten honorable mention after his sophomore season last fall. The Detroit native led Minnesota with 1,206 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns in 11 games. He had 185 carries for 873 yards and nine touchdowns, adding 50 receptions for 333 yards and two scores.
Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck told the Pioneer Press two weeks ago that he felt “really good” about the retention level of current players for next year’s roster, and it doesn’t get much bigger than keeping Perich and Taylor. Perich will be a sophomore next fall, Taylor a junior.
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