Alex Golesh's 1st Auburn offseason takes a huge hit with veteran NFL draft declaration

New Auburn head coach Aelx Golesh will be in the market for a new starting center next season as the Tigers have suffered their first big loss of the offseason to the NFL. Center Connor Lew, who was unable to finish the 2025 season, announced via social media that he is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Lew spent three seasons with the Tigers and has one more year of eligibility left; however, he must feel his best shot at the NFL is now, as he will forgo that last season. Before his ACL injury. Lew was being considered as one of the top offensive linemen in the draft, going in the first or second round.

After playing in seven games this season, Lew was shut down with the ACL injury and has now worn an Auburn uniform for the final time. Even with the injury, Lew should still be considered a top interior lineman in the draft and someone NFL teams will look at closely.

Lew began his career with the Tigers, actually filling in for an injured starting center, and made a real impact with his playing ability. Once he earned the spot, Lew didn't give it up and turned himself into an integral part of the Auburn offensive line.

After stepping into the role, Lew was named to the SEC All-Freshman team and was given numerous SEC Freshman of the Week honors. Lew's goodbye certainly was heartfelt, and it let Auburn fans know that while the decision wasn't easy, he is grateful for everything they have given him over the last three seasons.

"And to the fans — thank you for showing up, believing in us, and making Auburn what it is," Lew said in his announcement. "The support you give this program is different, and I will never forget what it means to play here."

This means that Auburn has now lost Lew to the NFL Draft and left tackle Xavier Chaplin to the transfer portal. Almost the entire line will be gone as starters Dillon Wade, Jeremiah Wright, Mason Murphy, and TooTall Miller are all out of eligibility. The offensive line will be a key part of rebuilding this Tigers' team for the future.