prior to the 2012 season, lewan was selected by the media as one of five big ten offensive players to watch along with teammate denard robinson as voted by the media. following the season, he was named the big ten conference offensive lineman of the year and named to the all-big ten first team by both the coaches and the media. lewan was a 2012 college football all-america team selection by the associated press (1st team), espn (1st team), walter camp football foundation (1st team), "lindy's sports" (1st team), "sports illustrated" (1st team), cbssports.com (2nd team), foxsportsnext.com (scout.com 2nd team), and "pro football weekly" (honorable mention). cbssports.com also named lewan along with punter will hagerup to their all-big ten team.