Francis Mauigoa enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most physically gifted and battle-tested offensive linemen in the class. A former five-star recruit from American Samoa by way of IMG Academy, Mauigoa has been a fixture at right tackle for the Miami Hurricanes since his freshman season. At 6’6″, 335 pounds, he blends brute strength, nimble feet, and a high football IQ — traits that have earned him comparisons to Taliese Fuaga and made him a projected top-15 pick.
Background and Pedigree
Born in Ili’ili, American Samoa, Mauigoa’s journey to college football prominence began at Aquinas High School in California, before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida. He was ranked as a top-10 national recruit in the 2023 class and chose Miami over Alabama, USC, and Tennessee. From the moment he stepped on campus, Mauigoa delivered — earning Freshman All-American honors in 2023 and starting every game at right tackle.
By 2025, he had become the anchor of Miami’s offensive line, winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s top lineman and finishing with an 88.8 pass-blocking grade, third-best nationally. He capped his college career with a strong showing in the College Football Playoff National Championship, before declaring for the draft.
Physical Traits and Athletic Profile
Mauigoa’s build is ideal for a modern NFL tackle — dense, powerful, and balanced. He carries his 335 pounds with ease, showing excellent functional strength and core stability. His wide base and strong hands allow him to absorb power rushes and reset the line of scrimmage. While his 40-yard dash time of 5.30 seconds is average, his short-area quickness and ability to climb to the second level are standout traits.
He’s not a freaky athlete like Paris Johnson Jr. or Joe Alt, but he’s a technician with power, capable of thriving in both gap and zone schemes. His footwork is clean, his punch is timed, and his ability to trap rushers at the turn makes him a nightmare for edge defenders.
Strengths
- Day 1 Starter Experience: Mauigoa started 39 games at Miami, facing top-tier ACC and SEC competition. His tape is loaded with reps against future NFL talent.
- Elite Contact Balance: Rarely ends up on the ground. Maintains leverage and control through contact, even when out of position.
- Anchor and Core Strength: Can stonewall bull rushers and reset against power moves. His base rarely collapses.
- Scheme Versatility: Effective in both zone and power concepts. Can pull, trap, and climb with efficiency.
- Football IQ and Awareness: Diagnoses stunts and blitzes quickly. Rarely fooled by post-snap movement.
Weaknesses
- Excessive Leaning: Occasionally dips his head and loses leverage, especially on long-developing plays. This opens him up to spin counters and inside moves.
- Limited Length: While his frame is broad, his arm length is closer to guard territory. This could be a concern against elite speed rushers.
- Right Tackle Only?: All his college reps came on the right side. Some evaluators question whether he can flip to left tackle or if he’s scheme-dependent.
- Finish Consistency: While dominant early in reps, he sometimes fails to sustain blocks through the whistle.
NFL Projection and Scheme Fit
Mauigoa projects as a plug-and-play right tackle with Pro Bowl upside. He’s best suited for teams that run balanced or power-heavy schemes, where his ability to displace defenders and protect the edge can be maximized. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints have been linked to Mauigoa as a potential long-term answer at RT.
His floor is high — at worst, he’s a solid starter at guard. But his ceiling is that of a franchise tackle, especially if he continues to refine his technique and improve his hand discipline.
Final Evaluation
Francis Mauigoa is a blue-chip trench warrior with the pedigree, production, and traits to thrive in the NFL. He’s not flashy, but he’s fundamentally sound, physically dominant, and mentally sharp. His tape shows a player who understands leverage, timing, and angles — and who rarely loses clean.
While some scouts debate his positional flexibility, there’s little doubt that Mauigoa will be one of the first linemen off the board in April. He’s a top-3 tackle in the class, and depending on scheme fit, could be the first one taken. For teams looking to solidify the right side of their line for the next decade, Mauigoa is a safe, smart, and powerful investment.
