- ESPN News Services
Jan 22, 2026, 04:11 PM ETOpen Extended Reactions
Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa on Thursday officially declared for the 2026 NFL draft, where he is expected to be among the first players selected.
Mauigoa is ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. in this year’s draft. In his latest mock draft, Kiper has Mauigoa being picked No. 3 overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
Mauigoa made his announcement in a post to Instagram.
The Associated Press All-America first-team right tackle allowed no sacks and just one quarterback hit in four playoff games, according to PFF, as Miami reached the College Football Playoff national championship game, where it fell to Indiana.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound junior also was named first-team All-ACC this season and won the ACC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to the conference's top offensive lineman.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
