A former Auburn football coach is being credited for Connor Lew’s readiness for the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals but that recognition may be misplaced.
Lew, one of five Auburn players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, was picked in the fourth round (No. 128 overall) by Cincinnati, making him the third Tiger taken and the first offensive player from the program to come off the board. After the selection, Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher spoke highly of Lew, emphasizing his advanced understanding of the center position. Pitcher noted that Lew already demonstrates the ability to handle complex responsibilities like adjusting protections and identifying defensive alignments skills essential at the professional level. He also praised Lew’s confidence, intelligence, and physical traits, describing him as a strong, reliable presence capable of anchoring the interior offensive line.
While those comments might lead some to assume Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze played a major role in Lew’s development, that doesn’t appear to be the full story. According to the perspective presented, Lew entered Auburn already well-prepared, both mentally and physically, to compete at a high level.
From the moment he arrived on campus, Lew was ready to contribute. He started six games as a freshman and went on to make 25 starts over three seasons, showing consistency and maturity early in his college career. Even though his 2025 season was cut short by a torn ACL, which likely impacted his draft position, his overall body of work remained strong enough to earn him a mid-round selection.
Much of the credit for Lew’s readiness is instead attributed to his high school program at Kennesaw Mountain, where head coach Caleb Carmean, offensive coordinator Chris Walker, and offensive line coach Adam Wilson helped lay the foundation for his success. Their coaching appears to have played a key role in shaping Lew into a player capable of quickly adapting to NFL expectations.
That said, Lew’s time at Auburn still contributed to his growth. Competing in the SEC, practicing in a high-level training environment, and facing tough defensive units helped refine his skills and prepare him for the next level. His development during those years, even if not solely credited to Freeze and his staff, helped position him as a viable NFL prospect.
Now, as the first Auburn offensive lineman drafted since 2018, Lew has an opportunity to prove himself at the professional level and show that the Tigers can still produce high-quality talent in the trenches.
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