NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch linked with shock Hendrick Motorsports switch

NASCAR Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch has been linked with a stunning switch to Hendrick Motorsports.

Heading into 2027, several drivers across the Cup Series field are out of contract, and it is expected to be a particularly busy season in terms of driver movement.

Having signed a multi-year deal at Trackhouse Racing, Zilisch isn't one of those drivers who is on the lookout for a new team heading into next year.

However, that has not stopped him from being rumored as a potential replacement for a driver who finds themselves out of contract come the end of the year.

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Connor Zilisch rumored for Hendrick Motorsports switch

That driver in question is Alex Bowman, the current driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet at Hendrick Motorsports.

Multiple trusted insiders, such as FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass and The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi, have now revealed that Zilisch's name is in the conversation to take over the No. 48.

While Pockrass reports it isn't out of the question that Hendrick Motorsports extend Bowman's deal for another year, he names Zilisch as a possibility of a driver who could step in if he were to depart.

A similar report also emerged from Bianchi this week, with The Athletic reporter adding that it is believed there is mutual interest between Zilisch and Hendrick Motorsports.

However, Bianchi added that rather than having to negotiate a buyout with Trackhouse, it is more likely that Hendrick Motorsports wait until the end of 2027 to make their move.

Connor Zilisch's 2026 so far

Despite the above links, it has been a tough rookie year for Zilisch so far in 2026.

After his record-breaking season in the O'Reilly Series last year (then Xfinity Series), the expectations were high for what he could do this year. So far, though, Zilisch's results have once again reiterated the gulf between the O'Reilly and Cup Series.

Through the opening 12 races, Zilisch has yet to finish inside the top 10, a stark contrast to his 2025 season in the series below, where he won 10 races and achieved 23 top-10s across the season.

Those results leave Zilisch sitting 32nd in the Cup Series standings, with only Ty Dillon, Bowman (who missed multiple races through injury), Cole Custer and Cody Ware below him.

Trackhouse has struggled more generally, though, so it will certainly be interesting to monitor the rookie's progress as 2026 progresses.