OL Hayden Conner of the Texas Longhorns declares for the NFL Draft

In the aftermath of the Texas Longhorns’ 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) exit, the program found itself at another crossroads — one that not only focused on the future of the coaching staff and key players but also the critical decisions facing its draft-eligible talent. Among the players drawing the most attention was offensive lineman Hayden Conner, a key pillar of Texas’ offensive line and an important part of the Longhorns’ resurgence in the trenches. After three highly successful seasons at Texas, Conner made the highly anticipated decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling the end of his collegiate career.

Conner’s decision to leave Texas was expected but still carries significant weight within the program. As a vital part of the offensive line that helped to revitalize the Longhorns’ running game and provide protection for quarterback Quinn Ewers, Conner leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to replace. Throughout his career, Conner had proven to be one of the top offensive line prospects in college football, with his combination of size, athleticism, and technical skills making him a coveted player in the NFL Draft.

In this article, we’ll examine Hayden Conner’s journey from high school to Texas, his impact on the Longhorns, and the factors that influenced his decision to declare for the NFL Draft. Additionally, we will analyze what his departure means for the Longhorns moving forward and what Conner’s future in professional football could hold.

Hayden Conner: The Rise of a Texas Offensive Line Standout

Hayden Conner’s story is one of patience, perseverance, and development. A native of Katy, Texas, Conner was a highly touted recruit who earned a spot in the 2021 recruiting class for the Longhorns. He had been ranked as one of the top offensive line prospects in the state and nation, coming out of Katy High School where he was an integral part of one of Texas’ premier football programs. As a high school senior, Conner showcased his impressive size (6-foot-5, 320 pounds), physicality, and mobility, traits that made him an attractive prospect for many of the country’s top college football programs.

Conner initially arrived in Austin with high expectations, but like many young offensive linemen, he faced the challenge of adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football. Despite his immense talent, he had to bide his time and learn from veteran players while refining his technique. However, by his second year at Texas, Conner’s development began to take off. In 2022, he earned a starting spot on the offensive line, playing a pivotal role in Texas’ success under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

What stood out most about Conner was his versatility. Throughout his college career, he was asked to play multiple positions along the offensive line, which speaks to his high football IQ and adaptability. Whether at guard or tackle, Conner’s ability to maintain a level of excellence regardless of position made him a valuable asset for Texas. The Longhorns’ offense, which had been struggling with consistency in previous seasons, saw significant improvements in the running game during Conner’s time on the field. His ability to create running lanes for star running back Bijan Robinson, along with his effectiveness in pass protection, helped transform Texas into a more potent offensive unit.

During his time at Texas, Conner proved that he was not just a big body but a technically sound player who could excel in the most important facets of the game. He consistently displayed solid footwork, strong hand placement, and a balanced approach in both the run and pass game. These attributes not only made him a standout on the field but also cemented his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in college football.

The Impact on Texas: Why Conner’s Departure is Significant

Conner’s departure leaves a significant void for the Texas Longhorns. He had become a cornerstone of the offensive line, helping to anchor a unit that was vital in the team’s offensive success. With the Longhorns having made strides in recent years to rebuild their offense and become a more complete team under Steve Sarkisian, the loss of Conner signals that Texas will need to find a way to replace both his physical talent and leadership on the field.

The Texas offense has been at its best in recent years when the offensive line has been able to create solid protection for the quarterback and open up lanes for the running back. In particular, Conner was instrumental in opening up space for Bijan Robinson, who went on to become one of the most dynamic running backs in college football history. Robinson’s success in 2024 was, in large part, a product of the offensive line’s consistency, with Conner as one of its primary leaders.

Beyond just his play, Conner was also known for his leadership and mentorship in the locker room. His experience in big games, including Texas’ battles in the Big 12 and the College Football Playoff, gave him invaluable insight that younger players could learn from. As one of the older, more experienced members of the offensive line, Conner helped cultivate a culture of toughness and accountability that permeated the entire unit.

Now, Texas will face the challenge of replacing a player of Conner’s caliber. While there are promising young offensive linemen in the program, Conner’s departure will likely leave a hole that will need to be filled both in terms of on-field performance and leadership. His versatility will also be hard to replace, as Conner was capable of playing multiple spots across the line with a level of excellence that is rare among collegiate players.

The Decision to Declare for the NFL Draft

Hayden Conner’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft after the Longhorns’ loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff was a logical and expected one. While he had one year of eligibility remaining, Conner had already accomplished everything he could at the college level. He had developed into a highly skilled, well-rounded offensive lineman who had been a key part of Texas’ resurgence. Additionally, his stock had never been higher, and he had the potential to be a first-round pick in the upcoming draft.

NFL scouts had been eyeing Conner for quite some time. His size, strength, and ability to move in space made him an ideal prospect for both teams running a power-based scheme and those employing zone-blocking principles. As an offensive lineman, Conner’s mix of size, athleticism, and technique set him apart as one of the best in the 2025 class. His decision to enter the NFL Draft was driven by the opportunity to capitalize on his rising stock, as well as the risk that came with staying another year in college. Injuries are a reality in football, and for a player like Conner, whose draft position could significantly impact his career and financial future, leaving college to enter the draft was the prudent move.

In making his decision, Conner likely weighed the opportunity to start his professional career against the allure of returning to Texas for another year, potentially chasing a national championship. However, with Texas’ current trajectory and the potential to continue developing under NFL coaching, Conner opted to take the next step and turn pro. The prospect of making an immediate impact on an NFL team and securing his financial future was too significant to ignore.

The NFL Draft Outlook for Hayden Conner

As Hayden Conner prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, he enters a deep and competitive pool of offensive line talent. However, his combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. Conner has the potential to be selected in the first round, particularly in a draft that will feature teams looking to bolster their offensive lines with high-quality prospects.

While Conner is still a raw talent in some areas, his ability to adjust to different positions and schemes will serve him well in the NFL. Teams will appreciate his leadership qualities, his durability, and his strong work ethic. With the right coaching, Conner could develop into a mainstay on an NFL offensive line for years to come.

For Conner, the next step is the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day, where he will look to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts and general managers. His performance during these events will play a major role in determining his draft stock, but based on his tape and potential, Conner is expected to be one of the top offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class.

What’s Next for Texas?

With Conner’s departure, the Longhorns will have to rebuild their offensive line. While there is talent in the pipeline, including some highly ranked recruits, replacing a player like Conner will not be easy. The Texas coaching staff will need to focus on developing young talent and creating depth along the line to ensure that the offensive success established in recent seasons continues.

In addition to finding replacements for Conner, the Longhorns will also need to focus on continuing to build their identity as a team that can compete at the highest level. Texas has made strides in the Big 12 and has aspirations of contending for national titles in the coming years. The loss of Conner is a setback, but with a strong recruiting class and a talented coaching staff, the Longhorns have the foundation to remain competitive in the future.