Auburn’s offensive line was supposed to be a strength in 2025. Heading into last season, it was one of the most experienced units in the country-seventh-most experienced, to be exact.
But when the dust settled, that experience didn’t translate to production. Under Hugh Freeze, the Tigers’ offense struggled mightily, and the line, despite its veteran presence, couldn’t stabilize a unit that never found its rhythm.
Fast forward to the present, and Auburn is facing a full-scale rebuild in the trenches. With Alex Golesh now at the helm as head coach, the Tigers aren’t just retooling-they’re starting from scratch up front.
This week brought two more major developments that solidified the overhaul. Starting center Connor Lew declared for the NFL Draft, and left tackle Xavier Chaplin entered the transfer portal. That officially wipes out all five starters from Auburn’s 2025 offensive line.
And it doesn’t stop there. Sixth man Izavion Miller, a key rotational piece, is out of eligibility.
Meanwhile, depth players like Dylan Senda and DeAndre Carter have also announced their intention to hit the portal when it opens next week. That’s not just a reset-it’s a clean slate.
Enter Tyler Hudanick. At just 29 years old, Auburn’s new offensive line coach is stepping into one of the toughest jobs on the Plains.
He’s not inheriting a veteran group that just needs a few tweaks-he’s building a unit from the ground up. Every position is up for grabs, and every snap in spring ball is going to matter.
Hudanick will need to identify leaders, develop chemistry, and instill a new identity in a room that’s essentially been emptied out. It’s a massive challenge, but it also presents a unique opportunity for Auburn to redefine what it wants to be in the trenches.
The offensive line may have been experienced last year, but experience alone didn’t get the job done. Now, with a new coaching staff and a blank canvas, the Tigers have a chance to rebuild with purpose-and hopefully, this time, with results.