Auburn Captain Bids Farewell After Five Seasons
The long-time Auburn Tigers player shared a heartfelt farewell video as he looks ahead to the next chapter of his career.
Head coach Bruce Pearl’s offseason has been tough. After a Final Four exit, the Tigers have seen their entire rotation leave, including their captain, Dylan Cardwell. Cardwell is the only player departing who spent all five years of his college career with Auburn.
“Thank Jesus Christ for Auburn University and all that it is! Best five years of my life. Auburn will forever be home!” Cardwell wrote in a post on X.
His mention of God echoes the sentiments of Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl, who made headlines with his “Call God” courtside interview earlier in the season. The moment helped set the tone for the Tigers’ deep Final Four run and showcased the close-knit team chemistry.
Thank Jesus Christ for Auburn University and all that it is! Best 5 years of my life🙏 Auburn will forever be home!
— Dylan Cardwell (@Dylanupnext__) April 17, 2025
Standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 255 pounds, Cardwell’s statistics might not have turned heads—never averaging more than 5.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, or 1.6 assists per game. However, where Cardwell truly excelled was on the defensive end. He holds Auburn’s SEC Tournament record for most blocks in a single tournament with 11 and ranks fifth all-time in the school’s history with 158 career blocks. Additionally, Cardwell’s durability is impressive, having played in 128 games—tied for seventh most in Auburn history.
Though Cardwell is unlikely to be drafted into the NBA, his future could still be bright overseas. His physicality and defensive prowess could make him a strong fit for European leagues, following in the footsteps of players like Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić who made the jump to the NBA after stints abroad.
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