Miami OT Francis Mauigoa injury red flag pops up right before NFL Draft

The NFL Draft starts on Thursday, and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa is expected to hear his name called early in the draft. Mauigoa has been seen as a potential top 10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Now, there is some concern about a back issue for Mauigoa being raised before the draft, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

It was discovered that Mauigoa has a herniated disc in his back, but he is still expected to be the first offensive lineman selected this week.

“Mauigoa returned to Indianapolis for a medical recheck two weeks before the draft. The back injury is not a significant issue now, and it is asymptomatic, but teams say that if it worsens at all, Mauigoa would then need surgery that could sideline him roughly three months. Some teams think he’ll eventually need the surgery at some point either way. One front office executive said last week that if the injury flares up in training camp and requires surgery, it might potentially end Mauigoa’s rookie season,” Schefter wrote.

The herniated disc in the back would likely not have long-term ramifications for tackle, but may impact his early career. Recovery from surgery for a herniated disc could put the tackle out for three to six months, meaning if surgery is required, he could miss much of his rookie season.

Mauigoa committed to Miami out of IMG Academy in 2022, joining the class of 2023, and being named a pre-season All-American as a freshman. He was a freshman All-American in 2023, a Second-team All-ACC player in 2024, and a first-team All-ACC and Coensus All-American in 2025.

Mauigoa is currently projected to go fifth overall to the New York Giants in the latest ClutchPoints mock draft.

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