Mauigoa was named to the All-ACC Second Team and finished tied for the team lead in sacks.
While many Hurricanes have announced that they will be departing throughout the day, one has decided to share that he will be returning.
Linebacker Francisco “Kiko” Mauigoa announced on social media that he will return to Miami for his senior season. Kiko made an immediate impact on the field for Miami after transferring from Washington State to join forces with his brother Francis Mauigoa.
Mauigoa led Miami’s linebackers with 70 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception this season. He was also named to the All-ACC Second Team, and he’ll have another chance to reach new heights next season. With James Williams declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, he’ll be Miami’s top returning tackler next season.
With Corey Flagg now in the portal, Miami’s core of Kiko, Wesley Bissainthe, and K.J. Cloyd is set for the upcoming season, barring any major changes.
A veteran presence on this roster whose return is significant given the team’s recent departures, players like Mauigoa are critical if this team wants to improve this season. He’ll almost certainly be at the top of the Butkus Award Watchlist next season.
Miami’s defense remains suspect at the safety and defensive tackle positions, but the Hurricanes finally have certainty at the linebacker position, which has been lacking in recent years.
With more draft announcements and transfer portal moves to come, the Hurricanes will at least know that their top linebacker will be back for another season.
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