National CFB analysts evaluates Francis Mauigoa's freshman season

Francis Mauigoa was the highest-ranked signee in the 2023 Miami football class. Mauigoa was the sixth-ranked prospec, second offensive tackle and second player in Florida out of IMG Academy in the 2023 class. Mauigoa started all 13 games at right tackle for Miami in 2023.

Kevin Flaherty of 247Sports broke down comments by 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins and national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna on the College Football Recruiting Podcast about the top 10 2024 five-star freshmen. Mauigoa is ranked sixth on the list.

Mauigoa helped anchor the right side of a significantly improved 2023 Miami offensive line. Miami improved from 100th nationally, allowing three sacks per game in 2022 to 17th and just 1.23 per game in 2023. Miami was 95th nationally in 2023, averaging 3.74 rushing yards per carry.

Miami improved to 16th and 5.12 yards per carry in 2023. Per David Lake of Inside the U, Mauigoa received a 67.8 overall grade, 71.8 run grade and 62.9 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Mauigoa was named a First-Team Freshman All-American with Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain by PFF.

"6. FRANCIS MAUIGOA, MIAMI
2023 stats: started every game at right tackle
“I think it was day one of spring practices he started on the second team and by day two he was with the starters, and he never relinquished that spot all season long,” Ivins said. “Now he’s the real deal. I think he’s exactly what we thought he was. And for Miami, one of the reasons why Mario Cristobal was brought in was to improve the trenches, but it was also to get NFL talent to Coral Gables. And I think when you look at Mauigoa, it’s a guy that’s definitely going to play on Sundays barring some unforeseen setback.”"

- Kevin Flaherty, 247Sports

With two more years of Mauigoa, Miami should continue to have one of the best offensive lines in the country. In addition to Mauigoa, Miami returns left tackle Jalen Rivers and right guard Anez Cooper. Miami added center Zach Carpenter as a transfer from Indiana. Right guard is the only open position entering the 2024 season.

Mauigoa could potentially move inside with Samson Okunlola starting at right tackle. Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal cross-trains his players. Bain and Lake made immediate impacts for Miami. Per Lake, Mauigoa led freshmen OL with 800 snaps played in 2023 and Bain led defensive lineman with 527 snaps.

Mauigoa lived up to his five-star grade. The NFL Mock Draft Database lists Mauigoa as the 23rd-ranked 2026 prospect. Cristobal and Mirabal have proven to be among the best OL recruiters nationally. The success Mauigoa had as a freshmen proves that Cristobal and Mirabal provide opportunities for