SEC Media Days: Connor Lew wants Auburn O-line 'to be feared by every opponent'

ATLANTA – Two weeks after Auburn hired Hugh Freeze, Connor Lew committed to the Tigers, joining his new coach at the ground floor to rebuild a storied program. 

“There’s something about putting your head in the dirt and working, and doing things the right way,” Lew said. “That’s what we’ve started to do at Auburn. 

“Obviously some things haven’t gone our way. There are going to be ups and downs along the way, so how can you inspire the younger guys who are coming in now and how can you lay a foundation that they can build off as well.”

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Lew became Auburn’s starting center midway through his true freshman, a rarity for an SEC offensive lineman, and has anchored the Tigers’ O-line ever since. 

“In high school, you think you know everything and you get to college and it’s a brand new game,” he said. “Everything changes. There’s definitely a lot that I’ve learned.” 

Next to Lew on the line are fellow Auburn veterans Dillon Wade and Jeremiah Wright at guard. 

 “With those guys returning, it makes our communication a lot more efficient,” Lew said. “That way if we do get into a sticky situation, maybe something we didn't practice during the week, we have more time, and we're kind of on the same page faster where we can communicate and figure out how we want to block something.”

On the outside, transfer tackles Xavier Chaplin and Mason Murphy join three-year Tiger Izavion Miller.

“I think the biggest thing is just the combination of talent as well as how well we've meshed so far,” Lew said. “I'm excited to work with these guys in the fall camp and compete with them in the season.

“It was really cool to see them pick up the offense fast and it made our jobs easier.  We didn't have to spend a lot of time on coaching up.  We could get straight into the technique. Seeing (Chaplin) come in, pick it up and get right in there with the ones and execute at a high level, I’m excited to go play with him.”

Asked about the identity he aspires for Auburn’s offensive line, Lew does not hold back. 

“I want to be feared by every team and every opponent in the SEC that we play,” he said. “I hope that every defensive line is circling us on their calendar.”

“I’m excited to go compete with them on Saturdays.”@ConnorLew1 representing the @AuburnFootball O-line at #SECMD25

Connor on…

:football: QB Jackson Arnold
:football: Season opener at Baylor
:football: His suit selection #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/S4SF3iiXxC

— Jeff Shearer (@Jeff Shearer) July 15, 2025

Representing Auburn at SEC Media Days in his hometown, Lew reflected on his quest to help make the Tigers a playoff contender. 

“You wake up and there’s a new challenge,” he said. “Everybody’s working for the same goal. Doing your part and trying to help the team any way you can.”

That pursuit begins Aug. 29 at Baylor under the Friday Night Lights in Waco, Texas. 

“Opening up with a game like that, the opportunity to get a head start and get some momentum going into the season,” Lew said. “It's going to be really big for us that week.”

Auburn’s season opener will mark a Lone Star State return for quarterback Jackson Arnold, who starred in high school in Denton, Texas, before playing two seasons at Oklahoma. 

“I can't speak highly enough about him off the field, as a person,” Lew said. “We’ve gotten a chance to go out and eat with the receivers, quarterbacks, running backs. Getting to know each other, I think it helps with us meshing.”

Arnold joined Lew on Auburn’s leadership council. 

“It shows how fast he was able to come in and take control of the locker room,” Lew said. 

“Everybody bought into his leadership. You want a quarterback who’s not afraid to take control and lead. Him being able to do that so fast speaks of his character and how the locker room views him. I think he showcased that from the moment he stepped on campus.”

After graduating from Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts this December, three years after arriving on the Plains, Lew plans to pursue an MBA. The scholarly center sees a difference in Auburn’s confidence and focus entering his third season.

“Now we have to focus on executing, playing at a high level and doing our jobs,” he said. 

Not only did Connor Lew choose Auburn out of high school, his commitment remains steadfast after two challenging seasons, determined to finish what he and his head coach started nearly three years ago.

“Seeing the potential and what we can do with this program,” Lew said. “There’s no secret, we have a lot of talent in the locker room this year. I want to be a part of something that changes the legacy of Auburn forever and get us back on the right track.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer