Miami Hurricanes right tackle Francis Mauigoa is considered one of the top offensive players and arguably the best offensive line prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. He instantly became a starter on Day 1, which is a rarity, and started all 42 games he played, improving each year. Mauigoa is coming off a strong junior campaign, earning unanimous First-Team All-American and All-ACC honors and winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for best ACC offensive lineman.
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While Mauigoa possesses the prototypical size for an offensive tackle at 6-foot-5 and 329 pounds, his 33 1/4-inch arms are slightly below the typical 34-inch threshold. Since his arms aren’t below 33 inches, NFL teams may give him a shot at tackle before potentially moving him inside if things don’t pan out.
Another potential concern he faces is an injury he dealt with later in the season.
Miami Hurricanes’ top tackle set for imaging
NFL Draft
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Francis Mauigoa battled a minor back issue that caused him discomfort late in the season, despite starting all 16 games. The issue was flagged during the medical evaluation at the NFL Scouting Combine. According to Ian Rapoport, Mauigoa agreed to return to Indianapolis on Friday for a Combine recheck for additional imaging, with NFL teams requesting further testing on a disc issue. He was a full participant and symptom-free at Miami’s Pro Day and is not expected to undergo surgery or have his draft stock affected.
#Miami OT Francis Mauigoa, potentially the top tackle in the Draft, has decided to be at Combine Rechecks on Friday for additional imaging on a minor back issue that caused him some discomfort late in the season, sources say.
Mauigoa started 42 straight games in college,… pic.twitter.com/iHdA9tRkJa
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2026
Arizona Cardinals, Francis Mauigoa, NFL
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) celebrates after defeating the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“Highly touted prospect who met expectations as a durable three-year starter at right tackle. Mauigoa has a guard’s broad build, but he moves like a tackle in pass sets. He’s highly experienced with an impressive football IQ that pops on tape. He has good contact balance and a strong core.
“He delivers firm first contact but excessive leaning diminishes not only his leverage and sustain as a run blocker but also his ability to deal with spin counters when protecting. He’s good at trapping rushers at the turn and can smother their momentum. He has the footwork, anchor and punch timing to diversify his pass-set approach.
“He works with an innate feel for pocket depth and is rarely out-paced to the top by speed. Mauigoa has a high ceiling but the leaning must be eradicated. He’ll be an early starter at right tackle but a move to guard could be on the table in the future.”
He projects as a good starter within his first two seasons.