"Hell yea be great 76": Fans overjoyed as Texas OL Hayden Conner declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Texas Longhorns OL Hayden Conner has announced his decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Conner was one of Steve Sarkisian's key offensive starters this season and helped the program to a 13-3 campaign. They made it to the semifinals of the first year of the 12-team college football playoffs, where they unfortunately lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Hayden Conner announced his decision to declare for the draft through a post on X (formerly Twitter). Coming out of Taylor High School, the OL committed to playing for the Longhorns in 2021. During his four-season stint with the program, Conner started 43 of the 51 games he played and was a Joe Moore Award finalist for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Fans took to social media to react to Hayden Conner's draft declaration.

"Hell yea be great 76," one fan said.

"Thanks for everything you gave Texas. go be great," another fan expressed gratitude.

"Well miss you," one fan stated.

"Congratulations! Happy for you and your career at Texas! I know you still have an incredible journey ahead! Looking forward to seeing what you accomplish in the future! Work hard, stay injury free and go get it!," another fan congratulated the OL.

"Good luck to you! Can't wait to see where you end up. Houston could sure use you! You never disappointed me and you'll be a Longhorn for life Hook 'em!," One fan added.

"You ready to block for Burrow?" one fan questioned.

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Hayden Conner expresses gratitude to everyone involved during his collegiate journey

In his NFL draft declaration post, Hayden Cooner thanked everyone involved in his football journey right from high school. He thanked his coaches and parents and also gave a special shoutout to his fiancee for always believing in him and supporting him on the gridiron.

"I can't thank my parents enough for all the opportunities and sacrifices they have made in order to get me to this point in my life," Conner said. "I want to thank Coach J Jensen, Coach Travis Sharp and Coach Jacob Phillips for assisting me and getting national recognition while in high school and for being great role models."

"Finally, I want to thank my brothers for always being by my side, and I want to thank Paige, my fiancee, for always being my best friend and biggest supporter."

Hayden Conner is projected to be a day 2 pick by draft experts. It will be interesting to see which team decides to pick up the Texas OL.