Dylan Cardwell

Dylan Cardwell is a 6’11” basketball player at Auburn. He has developed into a valuable asset on that team which at the start of 2025 holds the number 2 spot as the best college teams in America.

Dylan played two years of high school basketball in Evans, Georgia and then went to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. When he returned to Georgia his senior year, he was ineligible to play because of his transfer. When asked about his disappointment, he said, “My faith is being tested and I’ve grown a lot while weathering this storm…I must remember that this is God’s plan for me, and His plans are far greater than mine.”

Cardwell recognized more than ever that God was directing his life. He truly trusted in God in leading his decision of where to go to college. He connected with a Christian man who told him about Auburn. A former defensive football coach at Auburn is his uncle, Rodney Garner. He visited and felt that Auburn had a sense of family and a Christian community. He came to Auburn.

I enjoy watching Dylan play because he truly enjoys the game. He has a big smile. He hustles 110%, and he is just excited to be playing the game. He is Auburn’s best cheerleader!

The thing I like about him most is that he knows that he has a role to play, and he plays his role. He is not there to be the leading scorer, etc. He knows that he is going to be a rim protector, block shoots, play excellent defense, and get to the basket and rebound and dunk the ball. He is also the glue that makes Auburn a team.

After four years of college ball, he recently had his first double double—that’s double figures in scoring and in rebounds. He did it by playing less than half the game! When asked about it, he began by saying that he wanted to give all the glory to Jesus Christ. He had been praying for this and God had answered his prayer, and he was just pleased to be able to contribute to the team’s victory. He then injected a couple more times during the interview how much he wanted to give all the glory to Jesus.

Dylan confessed that a couple of years ago he was jealous of Johni Broome because he was getting most of the playing time. He prayed about that, and God told him he needed to be Johni’s cheerleader and teammate. He decided to do what God told him. That night Johni dropped 30 points, and Dylan was the most excited person to see Broome’s success. He then discovered that his success was helping other people be successful. The next night he had one of his biggest scoring games.

His social media following has grown to more than 26,000 followers. He started posting Bible verses and stories of faith. His platform grew bigger for making a positive witness. He went with the basketball team to Israel during the summer. Several players professed their faith in Christ and wanted to be baptized. Cardwell was first baptized himself and then assisted in baptizing some of the other players.

He is very active in several campus ministries. He teaches a Bible study. He is a leader in academics, athletics, and collegiate activities. He is like a magnet to college students. He is referred to as “Mr. Auburn.”

He is a strong Christian whose witness goes far beyond the basketball court. I love his attitude. He says, “I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but God is clearly moving.”

What is your role on God’s team?