Miami right tackle Francis Mauigoa was named to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year watch list, an honor that celebrates leadership, courage, integrity and sportsmanship. Mauigoa is among 67 student-athletes nationally recognized on the initial list. The schedule for the award: 20 semifinalists on Oct. 14, three finalists on Dec. 15, and the winner unveiled on Apr. 16, 2026. The award will also direct a $10,000 contribution in the winner's name to the school's scholarship fund.
We are proud to announce the watch list for the 9th annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, which includes 67 of the nation’s top leaders in college football.
— Jason Witten Award (@WittenCMOY) September 30, 2025
The members of the watch list have all demonstrated an outstanding record of leadership on and off the field. pic.twitter.com/gUlHckzF0N
The Witten award is now in its ninth year and was the first major FBS honor built primarily around leadership. Recent winners include Shaquem Griffin (UCF), Sam Ehlinger (Texas) and J.J. Weaver (Kentucky).
Beyond starting every game in Coral Gables, he's been singled out for service-first recognition before — he made the Wuerffel Trophy watch list in August, which spotlights the sport's top community servants. The young cornerstone sets the standard in the building for the Hurricanes.
On the field, the results have been dominant. Carson Beck has been kept clean and the ground game is bullying people. Through four games, Miami has allowed just five sacks (tied No. 29 nationally) and only 21 total pressures. The run game is churning out 180.5 rushing yards per game at 4.8 yards per carry with 12 rushing TDs.
The Canes are averaging 450.5 total yards per game, moving the chains (99 first downs; 50% on third down), and controlling possession (33:38 per game). Those are team stats, with Miami's RT leading the way every Saturday so far this season.
The Hurricanes' best version of themselves runs through the offensive line. If Mauigoa and company keep Beck upright and the backs ahead of the sticks, Miami will continue to look like a Playoff contender — and Mauigoa's leadership case only strengthens as the season continues.