On the Plains with Andre Jordan Jr.: ‘Football means a lot to me’

Defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. spent most of his childhood cheering on one particular athlete, his father.

“I got started watching my dad play football,” Jordan said. “He played in the Indoor Football League and I used to go to all of his games, so that's how I started.”

Although football was integrated into his life, Jordan learned that it was not just a sport but could also supply valuable life lessons, providing structure in his daily life and a comfort in the chaos. 

“Football means a lot to me,” Jordan said. “It taught me perseverance. Do not let something affect you too much because the next time you get knocked down, you have to get back up.”

Jordan credits a lot of his success to his support system and shares his gratitude for his family’s continued presence.

“I have my mom, dad and little sister,” Jordan said. “As well as my friends back home, my grandparents and my cousin. He helps me out, too.”

Jordan came to Auburn after stints at Oregon State (2023-24) and UCLA (2025), where he played in 30 games over those three seasons with 17 starts. He earned 2025 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors last year with the Bruins.

Now on the Plains, Jordan is ready to make his Southeastern Conference debut. Determined to make his mark, he knew Auburn was the right place to wrap up his college career.

“When I came on my visit, I really liked coach DeMarcus Van Dyke,” Jordan said. “He played in the league, so if he played in it, he could coach me on how to get there. When I heard about the fanbase here, that's really when I knew this is where I wanted to be.”

Auburn’s strong culture and sense of brotherhood helped smooth the transition.

“My whole DB room, we connect really well,” Jordan said. “I have a good friendship with everyone in that room. This culture is like a brotherhood. We all try to get each other better. For this year, we are going to be out here playing together. Attacking every day, getting better and working hard to win a lot of games.”

After leading UCLA in passes defended during the 2025 season, Jordan has new goals for his senior year. 

“My goal is to help the team out the best I can,” Jordan said. “My personal goal is to get some picks under my belt.”

Preparation for the game happens both on and off the field as Jordan leans into his routine.

“I go over my playbook, so I can know the plays we are running that week,” Jordan said. “I try to tune all the extra stuff out, so I am not on my phone too much. I listen to music and that helps me.”

With plans of playing professional football, Jordan is working to make that dream a reality.

“I want to go pro after this year,” Jordan said. “After I’m done here, I want to go work out with my trainer back home and prepare for the league.”

Inspired by those who have walked before him, Jordan plans to become a high school football coach after his playing career.

“I want to go back and coach my old team back home,” Jordan said. “My head coach (Marcus Yzaguirre) back home, he inspired me a little bit, but it always seemed fun.”

Jordan’s plans for his future do not stop there. A jack of all trades, he is also heavily interested in the fashion industry and is inspired by his inner circle’s creative minds.  

“I want to get into fashion,” Jordan said. “Back home, a lot of my friends are into fashion. One of my friends has a clothing brand and one of my other friends sells clothes. If I can get into the clothing world, I can help my friends out.”

For Jordan, helping others has always been his main priority and can be displayed in the way he lives his life. Encouraged and inspired by new coaches and a new program, he hopes to give back to the undying loyalty the Auburn fanbase possesses and pave a way for his future. 

When asked to share parting words to the Auburn family, he simply replied, “War Eagle!”