Posted on Feb 28

Hurricanes' Mauigoa projects as top OT in NFL draft, praises teammates Bain, Mesidor

Posted Feb 28, 2026

The Miami Hurricanes are showcasing several standout prospects, notably offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, projected to be the first offensive lineman selected in the upcoming NFL draft.

Why it matters: Mauigoa's emergence as a top-tier prospect reflects not only his individual talent but also the strength of Miami's recruiting and development programs. This has significant implications for the Hurricanes' reputation in producing NFL-ready players.

Mauigoa played a pivotal role in solidifying Miami's offensive line, which is critical in modern offensive schemes that prioritize both pass protection and run blocking.
His versatility to play multiple positions on the line enhances his draft appeal, as teams look for adaptable players who can fill various roles.

What’s new: Mauigoa's confidence in his fellow teammate Rueben Bain Jr. speaks volumes about the Hurricanes’ internal dynamics and the potential impact of their defensive line.

Despite concerns regarding Bain's arm length—measured at 30⅞ inches—Mauigoa insists that performance should take precedence over physical metrics.
"If you look at the tape, it doesn’t matter," Mauigoa stated, emphasizing Bain's tenacity and skill set.

Yes, but: While physical attributes such as arm length are often scrutinized, they do not singularly define a player's effectiveness on the field.

Many analysts have noted that shorter arms can hinder defensive ends in certain situations, particularly against larger offensive tackles.
However, Bain's work ethic and determination, as highlighted by Mauigoa, could mitigate these concerns.

What to watch: As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on how teams evaluate Mauigoa and Bain, particularly in light of their performances during workouts and interviews.

With Mauigoa requesting practice reps at guard, he is demonstrating his commitment to being a valuable asset regardless of where he lines up.
His willingness to adapt mirrors trends in the NFL, where flexibility along the offensive line is increasingly prized.

The bottom line: The upcoming draft may see Mauigoa not only solidify his status as a premier offensive lineman but also bring attention to the overall depth of talent coming from the Miami Hurricanes program.

The dual focus on both Mauigoa's potential selection and Bain's overlooked talents illustrates the evolving nature of player evaluation in the NFL.
As teams prioritize fit within their systems, Mauigoa's ability to contribute immediately could influence his draft stock significantly.

Hurricanes' Mauigoa projects as top OT in NFL draft, praises teammates Bain, Mesidor

Alex Parker

Posted Feb 28, 2026

The Miami Hurricanes are showcasing several standout prospects, notably offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, projected to be the first offensive lineman selected in the upcoming NFL draft.

Mauigoa played a pivotal role in solidifying Miami's offensive line, which is critical in modern offensive schemes that prioritize both pass protection and run blocking.

His versatility to play multiple positions on the line enhances his draft appeal, as teams look for adaptable players who can fill various roles.

What’s new: Mauigoa's confidence in his fellow teammate Rueben Bain Jr. speaks volumes about the Hurricanes’ internal dynamics and the potential impact of their defensive line.

Despite concerns regarding Bain's arm length—measured at 30⅞ inches—Mauigoa insists that performance should take precedence over physical metrics.

"If you look at the tape, it doesn’t matter," Mauigoa stated, emphasizing Bain's tenacity and skill set.

Yes, but: While physical attributes such as arm length are often scrutinized, they do not singularly define a player's effectiveness on the field.

Many analysts have noted that shorter arms can hinder defensive ends in certain situations, particularly against larger offensive tackles.

However, Bain's work ethic and determination, as highlighted by Mauigoa, could mitigate these concerns.

What to watch: As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on how teams evaluate Mauigoa and Bain, particularly in light of their performances during workouts and interviews.

With Mauigoa requesting practice reps at guard, he is demonstrating his commitment to being a valuable asset regardless of where he lines up.

His willingness to adapt mirrors trends in the NFL, where flexibility along the offensive line is increasingly prized.

The dual focus on both Mauigoa's potential selection and Bain's overlooked talents illustrates the evolving nature of player evaluation in the NFL.

As teams prioritize fit within their systems, Mauigoa's ability to contribute immediately could influence his draft stock significantly.