Can we please get some positive transfer portal news? That's what Ohio State fans must be thinking right now, as some rough updates have been coming in of late. One player who the Buckeyes had high on their board not long ago was safety Koi Perich, who is in the portal after being a Minnesota stud.
Ohio State football team scores linebacker from the transfer portal
An All-Big Ten defensive back, the hope was that Ryan Day and the Buckeyes would make a quick move to get him on campus for a visit and fight for his signature. Instead, all signs are now pointing to Ohio State getting outbid for him. Poi has visits lined up with Texas Tech and Oregon, but there are no current plans for him to make his way to Columbus. Brutal:
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.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 7, 2026
Posted 128 tackles and six interceptions the last two years at Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/VmWMuFjPCR
Ohio State football is expected to miss out on All-Big Ten safety Koi Perich
Can someone give athletic director Ross Bjork a call and let him know that the fanbase isn't happy right now? That'd be great! Perich is one of the top defensive backs in the portal and he no question could have made a massive difference for Matt Patricia in 2026.
Instead, though, all signs are pointing to him either ending up with the Red Raiders or Ducks. Unfortunately, it could come down to who puts the most amount of dough on the table - this is the direction college football and the portal is headed, so you can't blame Perich for going after his bag.
With that said, Ohio State supporters are getting sick and tired of NIL being the reason guys are either entering the portal, or deciding to play elsewhere. You'd think after winning the national title last winter and getting back to the CFP that the Buckeyes would be a top destination for touted playmakers.
Instead, money is talking this winter and Bjork is staying silent. Don't be surprised to see Perich head elsewhere, the same way Auburn cornerback transfer Kayin Lee picked Tennessee over playing for Day. If Chaz Coleman also doesn't end up being Ohio State-bound, however, then people might be ready to hit the panic button.