2026 NFL Prospect – Miami’s Offensive Tackle Francis Mauigoa

The Miami Hurricanes’ Francis Mauigoa is arguably the best left tackle prospect in next year’s draft class. Mauigoa showcased his elite skills last year, and as he enters his final season for the Canes, scouts are salivating at the opportunity to get an up-close look at a projected top-five pick next April. 

Mauigoa’s size and speed are perfect for the left tackle position at the next level. At 6’6” and 315 lbs., the Canes’ blue chipper can move. He combines speed with “quicks,” which helps him against edge rushers and allows him to get to the second level when run blocking with more proficiency than any other prospect in this class. He will rank at the top or near the top in every offensive line drill at next year’s NFL Combine.

Strengths

Mauigoa is a premier pass protector. He only allowed two sacks/quarterback hits on over 500 pass blocking scenarios. He combines some of the best mechanics in this class with natural ability, reminiscent of Pittsburgh Steelers’ Troy Fautanu in 2024. Scouts will love his hand use and knee bend, but it’s his ability to move fluidly at his size that will make him coveted by those seeking to fix their offensive line next Spring. 

Mauigoa is equally strong in both pass pro and run blocking. In the run game, he moves defenders off the ball and opens holes with the best in this class. His aggressive style and mean streak make him a near-perfect run blocker.

However, in the passing game, it is his finesse that catches the eye. He can move laterally well, anchor against bull rushers, and mirror rushers that might project him as a future NFL pro-bowler. 

Weaknesses

There’s not much to nitpick with Mauigoa, but scouts will. Technically, his arm length isn’t ideal for the position, but he makes up for it with ever-improving technical skills. And he will be tested at the next level with better and more diverse blitz packages that he won’t see in the ACC. He will need to prove he has the football IQ to identify and react to it. And I think scouts will want to see him one-on-one against next-level competition at one of the postseason exhibition games. 

Conclusion  

Francis Mauigoa developed quickly from his freshman to sophomore season. Entering his junior year, scouts will want to see better hand placement and even more refinement of his overall skills as they prepare their war room draft boards for next year’s selection process.

That said, he’s got the raw talent, speed, lateral movement, and quickness to be labeled as an elite 2026 prospect and a top-five pick in next year’s draft. With a strong junior campaign and continued technical improvement, Mauigoa will be off the board as likely the first lineman selected.