From Jordan River to NBA Dreams: Auburn’s Faithful Titan, Dylan Cardwell, Just Married His Longtime Love—and Is Now Living His Next Big Leap with the Sacramento Kings!

He’s never been afraid to profess his faith. In fact, it’s one of the first things anyone who’s met him will tell you. Dylan Cardwell, the towering former Auburn basketball star, isn’t just known for his blocks and boards — he’s known for his big heart, bigger faith, and maybe the biggest smile on The Plains.

And now, he’s entering a brand-new season of life — both personally and professionally.

Just a week ago, Dylan married his longtime girlfriend, Zaria, in what friends and family are calling one of the most joy-filled, Christ-centered weddings they’ve ever seen. For a guy who once stood waist-deep in the waters of the Jordan River — the same one where Jesus was baptized — this next chapter isn’t just about marriage or a career move. It’s about calling. It’s about growth. It’s about love rooted in something deeper than fame or fortune.

Cardwell, one of Auburn’s most beloved players of all time, is currently trying to carve out a role with the Sacramento Kings after going undrafted earlier this year. But if you know Dylan, you know he doesn’t do discouragement. He does joy. He does trust. He does purpose.

From the moment he stepped on Auburn’s campus, he brought a different energy. Not just hype or hustle, but real, magnetic positivity. He was the kind of teammate every locker room needs — unselfish, consistent, dependable, and grounded. He wasn’t always the star of the stat sheet, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t want him on the floor when it mattered.

But his journey to this moment hasn’t been smooth or easy. Back in high school, he had to sit out a full season due to eligibility issues after transferring schools. For a teenager with dreams of basketball glory, it was devastating. But Dylan has said time and again that it was in that forced stillness that he found his relationship with Christ.

That’s when the game started to shift for him — not just basketball, but life.

He didn’t come to Auburn expecting to be a superstar. He came knowing he’d have to wait his turn, fight for minutes, and outwork everyone in the gym. And while others may have left in search of more immediate playing time, Dylan stayed. Season after season. Faithfully. Patiently. Always cheering louder for his teammates than for himself.

And it paid off.

Not only did he eventually become a reliable contributor on the court, but he also ended his Auburn career as the winningest player in program history. That’s right — no player has ever won more games in an Auburn uniform than Dylan Cardwell. He was a part of deep tournament runs, legendary victories, and helped build the culture that Auburn basketball is known for today.

But what fans loved most wasn’t just his play — it was his presence. He led Bible studies with teammates. He shared his faith openly with fans. He prayed with opposing players after games. He served on mission trips to Central America, handing out toys to kids who had nothing and donating his own NIL money to children’s ministries. He understood, in a way that’s rare for someone so young, that platforms are meant to be used for something bigger than self-promotion.

One of the most powerful moments of his college career didn’t happen during a game. It was the day he was baptized in the Jordan River while on a trip to Israel. That moment marked a turning point. Standing in the same water where Jesus began His ministry, Dylan made it clear: he wasn’t playing for the applause of fans. He was playing for an audience of One.

It’s this kind of faith and grounding that has carried him into the uncertain waters of professional basketball. After going undrafted, he could’ve let disappointment sink in. But instead, he went to work. He joined the Sacramento Kings for Summer League, signed a two-way contract, and is now fighting for a spot in the NBA while working through the G-League system with the Stockton Kings.

The grind is real. The spotlight is dimmer. But Dylan isn’t phased.

“I’m just happy to be part of a team again,” he said recently, with that signature grin. “I’m excited to keep getting better, keep doing what I love, and keep trusting God with what comes next.”

And through it all, his now-wife Zaria has been right there by his side. Their relationship — like everything else in his life — has been defined by faith, commitment, and joy. They met at Auburn and quickly became inseparable. While Dylan was growing as a player and spiritual leader, Zaria was his rock, his encourager, and his partner in prayer.

Their wedding, held just about a week ago, was a reflection of everything they believe in. Centered on scripture, surrounded by community, and filled with praise. They didn’t just promise to love each other — they promised to serve God together. To build a marriage that lasts, even when the spotlight fades and the applause dies down.

There’s something beautiful about watching an athlete take on life this way. So often, sports stories are all about stats, contracts, and drama. But Dylan’s story is quieter. Stronger. It’s the story of someone who chose the long road over the easy one. Someone who stayed when he could’ve left. Someone who prays just as hard as he trains. And now, someone stepping into a marriage and a pro career with full confidence — not because he knows exactly what’s coming, but because he trusts the One who does.

If he never plays a minute in an NBA game, Dylan Cardwell will still be one of the most successful athletes Auburn has ever produced. His impact on the program isn’t measured in points or rebounds, but in lives touched, teammates inspired, and a legacy of faith that won’t fade with time.

But let’s be honest — you’d be foolish to bet against him. The guy knows how to work. He knows how to lead. He knows how to wait for the right moment. And more than anything, he knows what really matters. That kind of mindset? It’s rare. And it’s powerful.

As he continues training with the Kings, fans from Auburn to Sacramento are pulling for him — not just to make the team, but to keep being the kind of man the world desperately needs more of. A man of character. A man of faith. A man of commitment.

So, here’s to Dylan and Zaria — a new marriage filled with purpose and love. And here’s to whatever comes next on the hardwood. Whether he’s anchoring a G-League defense, stepping into an NBA rotation, or mentoring younger players, you can be sure of one thing:

He’ll be doing it with that same steady heart, rooted in something greater, still spreading the Word… and still spreading the floor.

And in a world full of noise and hype, that’s the kind of story that stands tall — just like Dylan always has.