Auburn Center Connor Lew Declares for NFL Draft, Capping Resilient Career
Auburn’s anchor in the middle is heading to the next level.
Connor Lew, the Tigers’ starting center and one of the most reliable pieces on the offensive line over the past three seasons, officially declared for the NFL Draft on Sunday. The move marks the end of a standout Auburn career that began with opportunity and ended with resilience. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Lew ranked as the No. 3 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 draft class-a clear indication of how highly NFL evaluators view his game, even with injury concerns in play.
Lew wasn’t just a cog in the machine-he was the engine. From the moment he took over the starting job as a freshman in 2023, he became the Tigers’ on-field quarterback of the offensive line. Making protection calls, setting the tone in the run game, and showing poise beyond his years, Lew quickly became a foundational piece for Auburn up front.
By the start of the 2025 season, he was not just a starter-he was a potential first-round pick. His play early in the year backed that up.
Lew was consistent, technically sound, and brought a level of leadership that’s hard to teach. But his season-and Auburn’s offensive line stability-took a major hit on October 18, when he suffered a torn ACL against Missouri.
The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year and will likely limit his participation in pre-draft workouts, but it hasn’t shaken his draft stock too severely.
Lew’s journey at Auburn began in 2023 when he stepped in after an injury to then-starter Avery Jones. From that moment on, he never gave the job back.
He started every game in 2024 and the first seven of 2025 before the injury. That kind of consistency and durability-up until the unfortunate knee injury-is part of what makes him such a compelling prospect for NFL teams looking to solidify the interior of their offensive line.
His departure now leaves Auburn in a full rebuild mode up front. The Tigers are losing all five starting offensive linemen heading into 2026.
Mason Murphy, Jeremiah Wright, Dillon Wade, and Izavion Miller are all out of eligibility. Starting left tackle Xavier Chaplin recently announced he’s entering the transfer portal.
Add Lew’s NFL declaration to that list, and the Tigers are staring at a complete turnover in the trenches.
There is some light on the horizon, though. Freshman Kail Ellis, who filled in after Lew’s injury, is in line to take over the center role.
Ellis played in eight games in 2025, starting two of them-all as a 17-year-old. That’s a big ask for a young lineman, but the experience he gained this season could be invaluable heading into next year.
Still, Auburn’s coaching staff will have work to do. The transfer portal opens on January 2, and the Tigers are expected to be active in targeting offensive linemen who can step in and contribute immediately. With the entire starting unit needing to be replaced, the portal isn’t just an option-it’s a necessity.
As for Lew, the NFL awaits. His tape speaks volumes, and while the injury may temper some of the pre-draft buzz, teams know what he brings: intelligence, toughness, and a proven ability to lead a line. That’s a combination that doesn’t go out of style-and it’s why Lew’s name will be one to watch come April.