Brotherly love and collisions. Miami LB Francisco Mauigoa reunites with 5-star brother

It’s bound to happen, and it could be spicy when it does.

With 6-3, 230-pound Washington State linebacker transfer Francisco Mauigoa now playing across the line of scrimmage from 6-6, 315-pound younger brother Francis, a University of Miami five-star freshman offensive tackle, an on-field collision is inevitable.

“We’re waiting for that brother collision, you know,’’ Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal, who appears to love them both, told reporters Thursday after UM’s fifth spring practice session. “It hasn’t quite happened yet. It’s going to happen. They’re both on the field at the same time a bunch.

“You want to talk about high character — man! Work ethic, talent, integrity, toughness, they got it all. ... They’re sponges. They want to get better. You can coach them hard. They don’t want to be coddled. They don’t want to pull themselves out of practice or top competitive periods because they’re tired. They want more, and that’s what we need.”

The pads came on, the adrenaline poured out and the Hurricanes got a chance on Thursday to hit the way they like: hard.

Francisco, a rising third-year junior, met the Miami media after practice. He was modest and understated after a strong sophomore season at Washington State. In 2022, Francisco — Kiko to his teammates — started 11 games and had 60 tackles, 5 1/2 tackles for loss, 3 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles (tied for first in the Pac-12) and one interception after mostly playing on special teams as a true freshman.

On Sept. 6 against Oregon, Mauigoa returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown.

Older bro conceded Thursday that the lure of playing with younger bro — rated the nation’s top offensive line recruit out of IMG Academy in Bradenton — was “a little bit of a factor’’ in his transfer. We think maybe a tad more.

“It’s a great opportunity to play beside my brother,’’ Francisco, a middle linebacker, said. “We played with each other since youth football and we’re just blessed to share the field on this level. ... I had a visit, and just by being here I felt like I belong. I had to make the move to come here. I just feel like I fit in.

“I love the weather here more, honestly,’’ he added. “I’ve been raised my whole life back in American Samoa, just a small island with nice, tropical weather. Making that transition here was pretty easy.”

Samoan contingent

Francisco, whose hometown is Ili’ili in American Samoa, played at Tafuna High School and is one of several people in the UM football program of Samoan ancestry. In addition to his brother, there’s offensive lineman Logan Sagapolu, who transferred last year from Oregon; incoming offensive lineman Frankie Tinilau, an Australian who played at Miami LaSalle; and defensive line coach Joe Salave’a.

On Thursday, the brothers’ mother, Telesia, and father, Faalialia, attended practice with their 5-year-old sister, Fedelma. Their older brother, Frederick, was a star center at WSU from 2017-19.

“I’ve known Coach Joe since a long time,’’ Francisco said. “My parents had a good connection with him. My parents felt we found somebody we could actually relate to. Moving here to the east side is a big move from the West Coast, the Pacific islands. And having those people here, Coach Joe, Sagapolu, makes us feel comfortable.”

True freshman, such as Francis Mauigoa, have not yet been made available to the media. Asked about Francisco in particular, Cristobal said he’s “gifted’’ and “instinctive.’’

“He understands blocking schemes really well,’’ the coach said. “Presnap knowledge of the game is critical for a linebacker and he has that. He’s been coached well. He comes from a football family so he understands backfield sets, he understands wide receivers splits, O-line communication. And when he triggers he goes. He sees a play go and he doesn’t hesitate. There’s no reservation or hesitation in his game. And when he gets there he gets there with physicality and intentions. We expect big things from him. He’s a special player and a tremendous worker — great for team culture.”

Keontra Smith

Francisco is battling with veteran starter Corey Flagg for the middle spot, but both are expected to play. Also made available to the media Thursday was fifth-year senior linebacker Keontra Smith, who came to UM as a safety and now plays on the weak side. Smith, a high-spirited, speedy linebacker, “made up his mind to play downhill and play better,’’ Cristobal said, and has “taken a big step.’’

“Crazy!’’ Smith said of Thursday’s fiery first spring session in full pads. “Coach DNich [inside linebackers coach Derek Nicholson] always gets us going before we get out there.’’

Smith, who dropped 10 pounds but appears more solid and muscular at 225, said he likes “everything’’ about new coordinator Lance Guidry’s defense. “Everything about it is fast. The backers we got all play with speed.’’

More news

▪ Fewer Hurricanes were in red, no-contact jerseys on Thursday, though former UCF cornerback transfer Davonte Brown wore red for the first time and had his upper left arm/shoulder area wrapped. He still practiced.

▪ Freshmen receivers Robby Washington and Nathaniel Joseph, who each wore a red jersey in previous practices, wore standard uniforms Thursday.

▪ Cristobal said the Canes will have their first closed scrimmage at the latter part of Saturday’s practice.

▪ UM announced that the April 14 game at DRV PNK Stadium is at 7:30 p.m.