In the high-stakes world of college basketball, where egos often loom as large as the arenas, the Auburn Tigers have carved a unique path to the pinnacle. Currently boasting a 25-2 record and holding the unanimous No. 1 spot in the Associated Press Top 25 men’s basketball poll, Auburn’s ascent isn’t solely attributed to rigorous training or strategic prowess. Instead, a profound and shared Christian faith has become the cornerstone of their unity and success.
This spiritual journey gained significant momentum in the summer of 2022, when Head Coach Bruce Pearl orchestrated a preseason tour of Israel. The trip offered players more than just international playing experience; it provided a transformative pilgrimage through sacred sites like the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The highlight for many was the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River, mirroring the baptism of Jesus nearly two millennia ago. Junior center Dylan Cardwell chronicled this profound experience, expressing awe at standing in places of deep biblical significance.
“Just to be able to stand where Jesus once stood was a crazy experience,” center Dylan Cardwell wrote in a blog. Since his baptism, Cardwell has continued to travel on mission trips to El Salvador and Honduras, using his platform to serve others.
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please the Lord.”
Hebrews 13:16 NLTAll Glory to God! Thank you @secnetwork for giving me the platform to spread the gospel of Christ Jesus who saves! #jesus #jesusislord #jesusisking pic.twitter.com/5uDyAa6mbT
— Dylan Cardwell (@Dylanupnext__) February 12, 2025
For a group of young athletes whose schedules are dominated by grueling practices, film sessions and the pressures of playing in front of tens of thousands of fans, faith has become more than a pregame ritual. It has become the foundation of their brotherhood.
The team’s faith is evident in every aspect of their journey, from their pregame huddles to their off-court relationships, Bible studies and even their in-game celebrations.
A tangible manifestation of this is the now-famous “Call God” celebration—a gesture where players mimic holding a phone to their ear after pivotal plays. This tradition began organically when a student assistant, Caleb Jones, spontaneously invoked the phrase during a weightlifting session.
“Everybody started catching on,” freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford recalled. “We started doing it in practice… and we just went on from there.”
What started as a lighthearted moment quickly became a signature of the team’s identity, a symbol of their shared belief that they are playing for something greater than themselves.
Beyond on-court celebrations, the team’s faith is nurtured through regular Bible studies and the guidance of team chaplain Jeremy Napier. Senior forward Chaney Johnson emphasized Napier’s impact, saying, “He’s bringing a lot of guys to Christ in a very ethical manner. A lot of the players on this team believe in Christ, but Jeremy pushes us to believe a little bit harder.”
Napier’s role goes beyond traditional chaplain duties—he has become a mentor, confidant and spiritual guide. His presence ensures that faith isn’t just an individual pursuit for the players but a collective one. He encourages them to see their time at Auburn not just as an opportunity to develop athletically but as a season to grow spiritually.
The integration of faith and basketball isn’t something that happens behind closed doors. It plays out in full view of the public, whether in post-game interviews, viral moments or social media posts. This openness about their beliefs stands in contrast to the hyper-competitive, often individualistic nature of college athletics.
In an era where NIL deals, social media fame and personal brands often take precedence, Auburn’s team dynamic feels refreshingly countercultural. They aren’t just playing for a championship—they’re playing with purpose.
This collective faith has not only bonded the team but also translated into remarkable on-court performance. Their recent 94-85 victory over archrival Alabama solidified their top ranking and showcased their resilience and unity. National player of the year candidate Johni Broome led the effort with a standout performance, contributing 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks.
But it isn’t just a handful of players leading the charge; the whole team is in on it.
“Everybody on this team is revolved around God and having a relationship with God,” guard Miles Kelly told 247 Sports.
That bond isn’t just evident in their play—it’s evident in the way they support one another off the court. Unlike many powerhouse programs, where internal rivalries can sometimes fracture team chemistry, Auburn has cultivated a rare sense of unity.
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Players speak openly about praying together before games, holding each other accountable in their faith journeys and making sure their identity is grounded in something deeper than wins and losses.
For Pearl, who has been open about his Jewish heritage and faith journey, fostering this culture wasn’t just about building a competitive team—it was about building men of character. He has consistently emphasized that basketball is only a temporary platform, but the impact they have through their faith can last a lifetime.
“We put the Lord first, and trust whatever He’s got in store for us, we’re accepting of,” Pearl said. “We give Him the glory.”
As March Madness approaches, the Tigers aren’t just favorites to cut down the nets—they’re a team playing with a higher purpose. While their talent and strategy will be tested against the nation’s best, their unwavering faith and brotherhood remain their greatest strengths.
They’ve already made history as Auburn’s best basketball team in decades. But for this group, the real legacy isn’t in the banners they hope to hang in the rafters—it’s in the impact they’re making on and off the court, one prayer, one play and one call to God at a time.
