For Francis Mauigoa, one game from Miami's 2025 season still stands above the rest in his mind. In his interview with Kelly Gramlich and Eric Mac Lain on the Gramlich & Mac Lain show, the All-American right tackle said Miami's 24-14 College Football Playoff quarterfinal win over defending national champion Ohio State was his favorite game of the year and described it as "a walk in the park."
Miami OT Francis Mauigoa reflects on Ohio State upset, playoff run
He explained that Miami came in ready to fight and felt it controlled the game from the opening quarter through the finish. He also added that it meant something extra for Miami fans because of the long memory tied to the programs' history.
Miami beat Ohio State 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal, holding the Buckeyes scoreless in the first half and limiting them to 45 rushing yards on 24 attempts. The Hurricanes rushed for 153 yards, won the turnover battle 2-1 and converted 7 of 14 third downs. Ohio State finished just 3 for 10 on third down.
Mauigoa played some elite football in that game, allowing just one pressure and no sacks against Ohio State while posting a 77.6 overall grade (per PFF). PFF also gave him a 74.8 run-blocking grade, which was the second-best mark among Miami's offensive linemen that day.
Francis Mauigoa will go in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft
Mauigoa was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2025, a consensus first-team All-American and the winner of the ACC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy. ESPN's latest 2026 draft rankings place Mauigoa No. 5 overall and rank him as the top offensive tackle in the class.
Mauigoa has the talent to go in the top 10 of the NFL draft, but it will depend on how teams assess their own needs and whether there is trade movement that shakes things up.
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