Francisco Mauigoa’s football story is one of perseverance and rising talent. Now, as he joins the New York Jets as a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, fans and analysts are watching closely to see if Mauigoa can become a force in the team’s linebacker corps.

From American Samoa to the NFL Draft

Francisco Mauigoa’s journey began in American Samoa, where he grew up playing quarterback at Tafuna High School. Later, he and his younger brother moved between California and back to American Samoa, finishing high school at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida. The New York Jets recognized Mauigoa’s on-field impact, selecting him at pick 162 overall.

Mauigoa impressed at both Washington State and the University of Miami. Over four college seasons, he totaled 255 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks in 51 games. His relentless energy and turnover-creating skills made him one of Miami's standout defenders during his tenure.

Playing Style and Strengths

A modern NFL linebacker needs size, speed, and instincts—qualities Francisco Mauigoa showcased at the college level. At 6’2” and 233 pounds, Mauigoa brings a solid physical presence. At the 2025 NFL Combine, he scored extremely well with a 9.14 Relative Athletic Score, including a 4.60-second 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical leap.

He’s known for his sideline-to-sideline pursuit and his ability to hit downhill. Mauigoa uses his hands effectively against blockers and demonstrates strong upper-body power, making him a tough opponent in the trenches.

For an in-depth analysis of his combine results, strengths, and development areas, check out the Bleacher Report scouting report.

Areas to Improve and Development Potential

Though Mauigoa is a promising addition, he still has room to grow in the pro game. Experts highlight that he sometimes struggles with open-field tackling—an issue possibly connected to a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2024. Additionally, his change-of-direction skills could use refinement to avoid giving up space to running backs and tight ends in coverage.

Despite these challenges, Mauigoa’s determination and work ethic are clear. His background in high school quarterbacking also gives him a unique perspective on defensive play, helping him anticipate offenses.

The Future with the New York Jets

Joining the Jets means entering a team hungry for defensive versatility. Mauigoa has the tools to contribute immediately on special teams and provide quality depth at linebacker. If he develops as expected, he could become a key rotational player or even push for a starting role over time.

Draft day was a milestone, but it’s only the beginning of Francisco Mauigoa’s pro career. For more details about his draft experience and college stats, read the official Jets draft announcement.

Conclusion

Francisco Mauigoa’s path from American Samoa to the NFL is a testament to his commitment and football IQ. As he starts his journey with the New York Jets, Mauigoa brings athleticism, grit, and a willingness to improve. Fans should keep an eye on his impact in the coming seasons, as he looks poised to embrace every opportunity on the NFL stage.