When a future Hall of Famer like Jason Kelce makes a bold comparison to arguably the best offensive tackle in football, ears perk up around the NFL. And when that comparison involves the name Trent Williams — a perennial All-Pro and widely regarded as the most dominant offensive lineman of the past decade — it sends scouts, general managers, and fans into a frenzy.
Recently retired after a storied 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce hasn’t lost his passion for the game. In fact, his role as an analyst, mentor, and evaluator of talent seems to have unlocked a new chapter for the legendary center. During a live podcast taping of New Heights with his brother Travis Kelce, Jason was asked which young offensive lineman impressed him the most heading into the 2025 NFL season. Without hesitation, he answered:
“This kid reminds me so much of Trent Williams — he’s got that rare combination of elite strength and athleticism. You don’t see that often. He’s gonna be a monster.”
The “kid” in question? Francis Mauigoa, the rising sophomore offensive tackle from the University of Miami.
Who Is Francis Mauigoa?
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 325 pounds, Francis Mauigoa is a Samoan-American lineman who has been making waves since his high school days at IMG Academy. Rated a consensus five-star recruit in the 2023 class, Mauigoa had offers from every blue-blood program in college football — Alabama, Georgia, USC, Oregon, and Ohio State — but chose to commit to the Miami Hurricanes, aiming to revive the swagger of “The U.”
As a true freshman in 2024, Mauigoa started all 13 games for the Hurricanes at right tackle. His impact was immediate and measurable. Not only did he allow just two sacks all season, but he also earned Freshman All-American honors, grading out as one of the top run blockers in the ACC.
Now, in 2025, he’s already being viewed as a potential top-five pick in the next NFL Draft.
Jason Kelce’s Eye for Talent
Jason Kelce isn’t just another former player making media rounds — he’s one of the smartest football minds of his generation. During his playing days, he was known for his elite football IQ, quick feet, and unmatched work ethic. He faced the NFL’s toughest defensive lines year after year and anchored a Philadelphia offensive line that consistently ranked among the league’s best.
Kelce knows talent. And when he sees someone with both the physical tools and mental makeup of a generational talent, he’s not shy about letting the world know.
“When I watch Francis Mauigoa,” Kelce said, “I see someone who plays angry but with control. His hand placement, his footwork — that’s stuff you can coach. But his athleticism? That’s God-given. He gets to the second level like he’s a tight end.”
The Trent Williams Comparison: Not Given Lightly
Trent Williams, the San Francisco 49ers’ cornerstone left tackle, has been an NFL juggernaut since he was drafted 4th overall in 2010. Known for his combination of brute strength, rare agility, and violent hand strikes, Williams is the prototype for modern tackles. He doesn’t just block defenders — he embarrasses them.
So when Jason Kelce says Mauigoa reminds him of Williams, it’s not a throwaway line. It’s one of the highest forms of praise an offensive lineman can receive.
“Trent was the kind of guy who made everyone else on the line better just by being there,” Kelce noted. “That’s what Francis can be. He’s not just talented — he’s a tone-setter.”
Mauigoa’s Athletic Background
Francis Mauigoa’s athletic prowess wasn’t confined to the gridiron. In high school, he also competed in wrestling and shot put — two sports that showcase a player’s core strength, balance, and explosiveness. Coaches say that wrestling helped Mauigoa develop his elite leverage and hand fighting techniques, while shot put reinforced his lower body strength and torque.
His agility is freakish for someone his size. During Miami’s offseason workouts, he reportedly ran a 5.05-second 40-yard dash and completed a 32-inch vertical jump. That’s nearly unheard of for a 325-pound lineman.
Dominating at the College Level
Mauigoa’s true freshman campaign was nothing short of elite. Despite being one of the youngest players on the field, he held his own — and then some — against seasoned edge rushers from programs like Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina.
Hurricanes offensive line coach Alex Mirabal raved about his maturity and technique:
“He doesn’t just rely on brute strength. He studies. He asks questions. He wants to be great. You combine that with his athletic gifts, and you’ve got something really special.”
Pro Football Focus ranked Mauigoa as the No. 2 graded right tackle in the nation among freshmen and the 10th overall in pass blocking among all ACC linemen.
The NFL is Already Watching
Scouts across the league are tracking Mauigoa closely. Several NFL front office insiders have noted that if Mauigoa were eligible for the draft after his freshman year, he still might have gone in the first round based on potential alone.
One NFC scout anonymously told The Athletic:
“He’s got All-Pro written all over him. The way he mirrors edge rushers, the way he explodes off the ball, it’s just different. He reminds me of a young Tyron Smith.”
But now, with another college season ahead of him, Mauigoa has the chance to cement his legacy as one of the greatest offensive linemen in Miami Hurricanes history — a list that includes the likes of Bryant McKinnie and Eric Winston.
The Polynesian Pipeline
Mauigoa is part of a growing tradition of Polynesian dominance in the trenches. Players like Haloti Ngata, Vita Vea, Penei Sewell, and of course, Trent Williams (who is half Polynesian on his mother’s side) have set the standard. Their blend of cultural toughness, respect for the game, and natural strength has long been admired in football circles.
Francis, whose family is from American Samoa, takes pride in carrying that tradition.
“We’re warriors,” he once said in a post-game interview. “When we step on that field, we play for our families, our islands, our people. That’s our power.”
What’s Next for Mauigoa?
With a new offensive coordinator and a returning core of talent at Miami, the Hurricanes are expected to compete for an ACC title in 2025. Mauigoa will anchor an offensive line that’s projected to be one of the best in the country.
NFL teams are already salivating over what’s to come. His name is consistently mentioned among the top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, and with another dominant season, he could very well find himself as the first offensive lineman taken.
Jason Kelce’s Influence — Beyond the Comment
Kelce’s praise isn’t just talk — it carries weight. Mauigoa, when informed of Kelce’s remarks, was visibly humbled.
“To be mentioned alongside Trent Williams? That’s crazy, man,” Mauigoa said during spring practice. “Jason Kelce is a legend. It means a lot coming from him. But I’ve still got work to do.”
Kelce, ever the mentor, hinted that he’d love to work with Mauigoa in the future. Whether that means a coaching stint, a training camp appearance, or a collaborative film session remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: when Jason Kelce talks, the NFL listens.
Final Thoughts: A Star in the Making
In a league where finding elite offensive line talent is like mining diamonds, Francis Mauigoa is already sparkling before he’s eligible for the pros. His combination of raw power, athletic grace, and unrelenting drive places him on a path that few ever tread.
Jason Kelce has played against the best. He’s been to war in the trenches. And if he sees shades of Trent Williams in Mauigoa, then maybe — just maybe — we’re witnessing the rise of the next great offensive lineman of a generation.
The NFL’s future blindside protector is already here. His name is Francis Mauigoa. And he’s got the Kelce stamp of approval.
