Francis Mauigoa's dominant performance against Syracuse recognized nationally

Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa was named the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week on Tuesday after powering a 38-10 win over Syracuse that included a rare lineman touchdown and a steady push on his side of the line. Miami averaged 6.8 yards per play and totaled 385 yards, with Mauigoa controlling his side and converting a designed backward pass into a 3-yard score.

Quarterback Carson Beck said teammates had been lobbying to run the play near the goal line. "I look, they're in the perfect coverage, perfect defense for us to actually let it hit," Beck said. "I'm like, just give him a catchable football... I was so happy for him." Mauigoa, who caught the backward pass and finished the run, added: "It was a good touchdown, but I was a little mad about it, because I wanted to run over somebody."

Mauigoa helped punctuate a comfortable afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium. Beck went 18 of 24 for 247 yards, Miami converted all four red-zone trips, and the Hurricanes closed with a 24-3 second-half run. With the win, the Hurricanes improved to 7-2 overall and 3-2 in the ACC.

The FWAA's weekly Outland recognition is in its third season and this was the final weekly selection of 2025. Mauigoa is the second Miami lineman to earn the honor, joining guard Anez Cooper, who was recognized in Week 2 of 2023. The award history runs deep at Miami as offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie won the Outland in 2001 and defensive tackle Russell Maryland won it in 1990, while center Brett Romberg was a finalist in 2002.

The 2025 Outland Trophy winner will be announced Dec. 12 on ESPN's College Football Awards, with the formal presentation slated for Jan. 21, 2026, in Omaha. Miami closes its home schedule Saturday against NC State at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.