How Team Bible Study Fuels Auburn’s March Madness Run and Dylan Cardwell’s Gospel Mission
As the Auburn University men’s basketball team battles through the 2025 NCAA March Madness Tournament, their on-court success is capturing headlines. But for some players, the real victory lies beyond the scoreboard. Evangelist Franklin Graham recently highlighted this spiritual dimension, noting that Auburn players attribute their achievements to a team Bible study that has deepened their faith and unity. At the heart of this story is center Dylan Cardwell, who expressed his desire to use basketball as a platform to “spread the Gospel and be a light for God.”
Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, praised Cardwell and the team, writing, “.@AuburnMBB players say their success is due to a team Bible study that brought them closer to God & each other. Center @Dylanupnext__ said, ‘I just want the biggest platform to spread the Gospel and be a light for God.’ God bless him! #MarchMadness.” The post highlights a growing trend of faith-driven narratives in college sports, particularly during the high-stakes atmosphere of March Madness.
A Team Rooted in Faith
Auburn, seeded as the No. 1 overall team in the 2025 NCAA Tournament according to NCAA.com, has been a powerhouse under coach Bruce Pearl. Yet, beyond their athletic prowess, the Tigers have cultivated a culture of spiritual growth. Dylan Cardwell, a senior center, has been vocal about how faith shapes his life and the team’s dynamic. In a 2022 Instagram post, Cardwell reflected on his journey, stating, “Today marks a year since I surrendered my life to Christ, and man has this been an amazing year!” He credited God with sustaining him through challenges, including a year-long hiatus from basketball during high school due to transfer rules.
This season, Cardwell and his teammates have leaned into a regular Bible study, a practice that echoes a broader movement on college campuses. Decision Magazine reported in January 2025 that events like UNITE US have sparked revivals at universities nationwide, with Auburn itself witnessing a significant spiritual awakening in recent years. Tonya Prewett, a Bible study mentor and wife of Auburn assistant coach Chad Prewett, played a pivotal role in sparking this movement, which culminated in 350 student baptisms at Neville Arena in 2023.
Dylan Cardwell: A Light for God
Cardwell’s mission to spread the Gospel isn’t new. According to Movieguide.org, the 6-foot-11 center has used his platform to share his faith, including mission trips to El Salvador and Honduras in 2024. During those trips, he donated $14,000 to the Forgotten Children’s Ministry and spoke to local children about Jesus. “It was life-changing, life-saving,” Cardwell told SEC Network in February 2025, emphasizing how those experiences reinforced his calling.
On the court, Cardwell’s leadership has been instrumental as Auburn navigates March Madness. His stats—while not always the flashiest—reflect a selfless player who prioritizes team success. But off the court, his words resonate louder. “I just want the biggest platform to spread the Gospel and be a light for God,” he said, a statement that caught Graham’s attention and sparked widespread discussion online.
Faith and Basketball: A Winning Combination?
The intersection of faith and sports isn’t unique to Auburn. Across the 2025 tournament, teams like Duke, Marquette, and TCU—faith-based schools with strong basketball legacies—also showcase players who prioritize spiritual values. For instance, TCU’s Darius Ford runs a Bible study group called “Army,” while Duke’s history includes players who lean on faith during high-pressure games, as noted by The Baptist Paper in 2024.
For Auburn, this Bible study has fostered a camaraderie that players say translates to their performance. “It’s brought us closer to God and each other,” one unnamed teammate reportedly told Graham’s sources, a sentiment echoed in the team’s resilience during the tournament’s early rounds. As of March 22, 2025, Auburn remains a top contender, with analysts predicting a deep run—perhaps even a Final Four appearance—building on their 2019 success.
A Platform for the Gospel
Franklin Graham’s spotlight on Auburn shines light on God’s move across the country, specifically on college campuses. Leading the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Graham has preached to millions globally, including a massive outreach in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, earlier this month, where over 4,000 committed to Christ. His endorsement of Cardwell reflects a belief that sports can be a powerful vehicle for evangelism.
As March Madness unfolds, Cardwell and Auburn’s journey offers more than just basketball drama. It’s a testament to how faith can unify a team and inspire individuals to look beyond the game. Whether the Tigers hoist the championship trophy or not, Cardwell’s goal is clear: to shine a light for God on the biggest stage possible. For fans and believers alike, that’s a victory worth celebrating.
