Miami LB Francisco Mauigoa announces decision to return for Hurricanes in 2024

The Miami Hurricanes got some amazing news for their defense on Saturday evening. Star linebacker Francisco Mauigoa announced his decision to return to the ‘Canes for the 2024 campaign.

Unfinished Business‼️ pic.twitter.com/VLueErVk3J

— Francisco Mauigoa (@FranciscoMauig1) December 9, 2023

“Viia le Atua!! Glory to God!! I want to thank Coach Cristobal and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity and love to be part of this prestigious program. I appreciate the trust and belief in my abilities. I also want to thank all of Cane Nation for the love and support this season. After consulting with my family, and much prayer, Cane Nation, LET’S RUN THIS BACK one more time and up we continue to go!” Mauigoa wrote in his statement on Saturday.

This year, the junior linebacker enjoyed a very good season, racking up 70 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. In 2022 when he was with Washington State, he also racked up 60 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception. Mauigoa spent his first two seasons of college football with the Washington State Cougars (2021 and 2022) before hitting the transfer portal and joining the Hurricanes in 2023.

Mauigoa transferred to Miami to play with his brother Francis Mauigoa, a five-star freshman tackle, and his move was a rounding success as he finished second in the ACC with 17 tackles for loss.

In their next game, the Hurricanes will face off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the 2023 Pinstripe Bowl. That one will be played on Dec. 28th, with a kick time set for 2:15 PM EST.

In the 2021 cycle, Francisco Mauigoa was rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 1,256 overall prospect in the country, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

Mauigoa announces return to ‘Canes, More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.

On3’s Jesse Simonton also contributed to this article.