Francis Mauigoa helps Hurricanes back to the ‘Cotton Bowl’ – Rumored to be 1st round NFL Draft Pick

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Son of American Samoa – Francis Mauigoa from the village of Ili’ili, continues to wreak havoc on the football field with the University of Miami “Hurricanes” (No.10), who defeated the Texas A&M (No.7) in a historic 10 - 3 victory this past weekend. They are now scheduled to face the Ohio State ‘Buckeyes’ (No.2) in the Cotton Bowl that is set to kick off on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025.

Mauigoa was named Consensus All-American, by the NCAA last Friday. The 6’6, 335lbs anchors a 11-2 Miami Hurricanes team who have much improved from their 10-3 record from last season.

To be named a Consensus All-American, a student-athlete must receive First Team All-America honors from at least three of the five NCAA-recognized selectors: the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.

According to the University of Florida’s recent media release, Mauigoa, received First Team honors from The Sporting News, the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He anchored an offensive line that powered one of the ACC’s most productive rushing attacks, as Miami totaled 2,456 rushing yards while averaging 188.9 yards per game and 5.7 yards per carry. The Hurricanes also scored 30 rushing touchdowns and limited negative plays, allowing just 203 yards lost on the ground throughout the season.

Francis graduated earlier this month with his Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, earning his Bachelor’s in just three years. Most college students take four to five years to complete their degree, which makes this accomplishment even more impressive.

University of Miami graduate Francis Mauigoa, posing with his parent Fa’alialia and Telesia Mauigoa, during his graduation earlier this month, (December 11, 2025). Francis graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science in Communication, earning his Bachelor’s degree in three years – Most college students take four to five years to complete their degree, which makes this accomplishment even more impressive. [photo: courtesy]

Mauigoa who is rumored to be a first round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is the son of Telesia and Fa’alialia Mauigoa of Ili’ili. His older brother and former teammate, Francisco Mauigoa currently plays linebacker for the New York Jets Football Team.

KEIKI MISIPEKA — PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Adding to the significant changes within the University of Miami football program is another Son of Samoa, Keiki Misipeka. Misipeka works in recruiting and personnel and has been part of the program for nearly a year.

During his career, Misipeka has helped and assisted numerous student-athletes from American Samoa, guiding them to Division I and junior college football opportunities. He previously served as the General Manager of Football at the University of Hawaiʻi, taking over the role for the Rainbow Warriors in 2024 after spending two seasons as the running backs coach.

Prior to his time coaching in the Mountain West Conference, Misipeka served as an NFL International Scout for the International Player Pathway (IPP) Program, where he was responsible for scouting the Pacific region, including American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.

Misipeka is the son of the late Kelemete and Iolani Misipeka of Fagatogo.