Miami OT Francis Mauigoa selected to AP preseason All-America second team

Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa was named to the Associated Press Preseason All-America second team on Monday, giving the Hurricanes a marquee trench honor two weeks before the opener. The AP’s full release lists Mauigoa as one of two second-team tackles alongside Clemson’s Blake Miller. The first-team tackle spots went to Spencer Fano (Utah) and Kadyn Proctor (Alabama).

Mauigoa started all 13 games at right tackle in 2024, earning All-ACC second-team honors while anchoring an offensive line that helped Miami finish No. 1 nationally in both scoring (43.9 ppg) and total offense (537.2 ypg).

Earlier this summer, Mauigoa was voted to the ACC Preseason Team, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation placed him on its Preseason All-America First Team. He has also found himself on a multiple preseason award watch lists.

Mauigoa’s return gives Miami continuity at a premium position as new quarterback Carson Beck takes over. The Hurricanes’ 2024 line was able to protect former QB Cam Ward, and Mauigoa’s availability and assignment soundness were central to Miami’s low sack totals and sound run game during a 10-win campaign.

Three opponents on the Hurricanes’ schedule — Notre Dame, Florida and Pittsburgh — placed players on the first team. Duke and Louisville (also on Miami's schedule) both had players on the second team. The AP announcement noted Texas and Penn State led the way in first-team selections and the ACC placed four on the first team.

Beck and EDGE Rueben Bain were not included on either of the teams from the AP, despite both players hoping to raise their draft stock and come off the board in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Regardless of the omission, both players will get the chance to prove the AP voters wrong once the season begins, just as Mauigoa has the chance to prove them right (and move up to the first team).