The Jets have signed fifth-round pick LB Francisco Mauigoa, their second-to-last selection and first of two in Round 5 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mauigoa (6-2, 233) started all 26 games for the Hurricanes in his two years at Miami and led the team in tackles each season. A captain his senior year, he accumulated 178 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions in 26 starts.
"Sideline-to-sideline-type dude," Mauigoa said of his play style. "Just create turnovers -- that's the best way to win games is to create turnovers and have the offense get the ball as much as possible throughout the whole game. And fast and physical, come downhill, make tackles in the backfield and try to create chaos in the backfield."
He began his college career at Washington State and totaled 77 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in two seasons with the Cougars. In 51 college games (39 starts), Mauigoa totaled 255 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 9 pass defenses and 3 interceptions.
"Kiko is tough and smart," head coach Aaron Glenn said. "When you get a guy that can call a defense and be able to get everybody on the same page, you always want guys like that. So that got me on him as a player and then you watch him be able to make plays on tape."
Mauigoa was born and raised in American Samoa and is the middle child of three boys. He started playing football as a quarterback and played the position for two seasons at Tafuna High in American Samoa before he and his younger brother, Francis, moved to San Bernardino, CA, to live with a host family in hopes of more recruiting attention.
Mauigoa arrived at Aquinas Catholic High and started his transition to linebacker after the coaches had him play both ways. Mauigoa and his brother returned to American Samoa in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. While at home, he committed to Washington State, his only offer from a Power 5 school. He transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, for midway through his senior year.
"Kiko's a smart, heady, aggressive, physical linebacker that's going to get a chance to go in and compete for a linebacker spot," general manager Darren Mougey said. "Plus, he has special teams value."
