Auburn’s Connor Lew Eyes NFL Return After ACL Injury

The 2026 NFL Draft class is already generating buzz, and one player to watch is Auburn center Connor Lew, who is diligently working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in October 2025. Despite the setback, Lew remains a top prospect at his position, and is confident in his readiness for a professional career.

Recovery and Timeline

Lew sustained the injury during a game against Missouri, getting rolled up on by a teammate on a running play. The injury ended his 2025 college season. He has expressed optimism about his recovery, stating to reporters on Saturday that he and his doctors felt confident he’d be ready by training camp. However, this timeline acknowledges a period during the offseason where he won’t be able to practice fully with a team.

Leadership and Preparation

Throughout his career, Lew has consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to leadership, and preparation. He understands the importance of building rapport with his quarterback and offensive line. He believes that As simple as it sounds, it’s just preparation and repetition, practicing, just finding the small things that get you guys on the same page faster..

What Lew Brings to an NFL Offense

Lew’s potential impact extends beyond his physical abilities. He possesses a strong understanding of offensive line play and a commitment to simplifying the game for his teammates. He explained, As soon as we break the huddle, they know Connor Lew is their center. He’s got the box under control. He’s got the calls down. He added, I can worry about the defensive structure, the secondary, and the final checks, but just being able to take that load off of them mentally..

NFL.com notes that Lew is a natural bender with better foot quickness and athleticism than he shows in the Auburn run scheme.

Learning from Veterans

Lew recognizes the value of mentorship and is prepared to embrace a similar role in the NFL. He stated, When I first got to college, I was always growing up and leaning on the veteran guys, kind of learning what I could from them. So I think that’s probably going to have to be a big part of what I do to transition into the NFL. He further emphasized his readiness, saying, But stuff like that is kind of what makes me feel like, ‘OK, I’m ready, I can do this.’.

The result, according to those who have observed him, is a competent, confident, talented young center ready to plug into any offensive line..

FAQ

• When did Connor Lew suffer his ACL injury? He tore his ACL in October 2025 during a game against Missouri.
• What is Connor Lew’s expected recovery timeline? He is aiming to be ready for NFL training camp in 2026.
• What is Lew’s projected NFL position? He is widely considered a top center prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for the latest updates on Connor Lew and the 2026 NFL Draft.

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