Miami football vaults to 8th 2023 class with Francis Mauigoa committment

The Miami football program has moved from 14th to eighth in the 2023 recruiting rankings with a commitment from five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa is the fourth blue-chip prospect the Miami football program has secured in just over a week. Six of the 12 Miami commits for 2023 are blue chips prospects.

Mauigoa is the ninth-ranked player, top OT and third-ranked player in Florida in the Class of 2023. The Miami class should continue moving up over the next few weeks. Five-star edge rusher Jayden Wayne, four-star safety Jayden Bonsu and three-star OT Tommy Kinsler are all presently trending to  Miami.

Mauigoa told Greg Biggins of 247 Sports that Miami freshman tight end Jaleel Skinner who he was teammates with at IMG Academy had an impact on his decision to commit to Miami. Offensive line coach  Alex Mirabal and defensive line coach Joe Salave’a are credited with Mauigoa committing to Miami.

Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports projects Mauigoa as a future first-round draft pick. Miami is poised to have two five-star commits (with Wayne) for the second time in three years. Mauigoa is 6’6, 330 pounds and has played defense and offense. Miami will lose projected starting OTs Zion Nelson and D.J. Scaife after the 2022 season.

Mauigoa should have a chance to play immediately as a true freshman as Nelson did. Per Gaby Urrutia of Inside the U Mauigoa would be the ninth-highest rated signee with Miami in the 247 Sports era. Miami is still recruiting several other OTs in the Class of 2023. Mauigoa is the third Miami offensive line commit for 2023.

Miami also has three-star commits, interior OL Antonio Tripp and OT Frankie Tinilau in the Class of 2023. Mario Cristobal and his staff have made it a priority to improve the OL since being hired in December. Mauigoa is by far the best OL Miami has added in the last seven months. Miami continues to be hot on the recruiting trail.