Former Foley High School star football player Perry Thompson has found a new college home.

After two seasons at Auburn, Thompson announced his transfer to Minnesota, committing to the Gophers with two years of eligibility remaining. The decision came after weeks of speculation that the former Lions standout may be headed to Oregon State, but Thompson ultimately chose Minnesota, reposting photos from his official visit with the caption, "Gopher Nation lets ride."

Thompson entered the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month, informing On3 of his plans once the winter window opened on Jan. 2. The sophomore did not see much playing time on the Plains, finishing the 2025 season with 22 receptions for 280 yards and one touchdown. Though his opportunities were sporadic, Thompson's size and athleticism make him a developmental piece in any receiver room.

Those traits on the field are familiar to fans in Foley, where Thompson was one of the most dynamic players in program history alongside the likes of players like Julio Jones. As a true multi-position standout under former head coach Deric Scott, Thompson contributed on offense, defense and special teams throughout his high school career.

In other transfer portal news involving Baldwin County Division I players, Fairhope alum Blayne Myrick has also entered the portal. The junior linebacker spent the past three seasons at South Alabama, earning a starting role for two of them and emerging as one of the Jaguars' most productive linebackers in recent history. Myrick totaled 191 career tackles, five pass deflections and two sacks during his time in Mobile, and he was named Second-Team All-Sun Belt in 2024.

Former Orange Beach standout Chris Pearson is also seeking a fresh start. Pearson originally committed to Houston out of high school before transferring to Arkansas State ahead of the 2024 season. The hybrid safety-linebacker saw limited action at both stops, appearing in a few games over the past two seasons and recording 12 total tackles.