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Miami standout OT Francis Mauigoa entering NFL draft

By Thomson Reuters Jan 22, 2026 | 4:36 PM

Miami consensus All-American offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa announced Thursday that he’s declaring for the NFL ‍draft.

Mauigoa is expected to be among the top five selections, perhaps as high as No. 3.

Mauigoa dominated at right tackle this season and received the ‌Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to ‌the top offensive lineman in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He started all 42 games of his three-year career.

“(To) the University ​of Miami, thank you for giving me the best three years ‍of my life,” Mauigoa ​said on Instagram. “Coach (Mario) Cristobal ​and Coach (Alex) Mirabal, thank you for giving ‍me a once in a lifetime opportunity. The hard work and the culture y’all have instilled in me are something I will carry ‍on for the rest of my life.”

The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Mauigoa helped the Hurricanes win ‍three ‍College Football Playoff games before ​they lost 27-21 to ​Indiana ⁠in Monday’s title game. Mauigoa ‌made one of the key blocks at the line of scrimmage to help Mark Fletcher Jr. break free for a 57-yard touchdown run off right tackle.

–Field ⁠Level Media