Perkins, 23, finished his stellar Redbird career last month by playing as an individual in the NCAA Regional after ranking No. 57 on the PGA Tour University ranking.
The East Peoria native was a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Golfer of the Year and MVC first All-Academic Team who recently shot 13-under par 59 at Pekin Country Club.
John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson announced an “All-Midwest” group of players who received sponsor exemptions at TPC Deere Run, which was designed by ISU graduate and former PGA Tour member D.A. Weibring.
Besides Perkins, the group includes Illinois' Michael Feagles; Tripp Kinney of Iowa State; Luke Kluver of Kansas; Alex Schaake of Iowa; and Willie Mack III of Flint, Mich.