Ranking Hugh Freeze’s transfer portal additions for Auburn football in 2023

AUBURN — The first window to enter the transfer portal has closed, the deadline to enroll in courses and be eligible for spring practice with the Tigers has passed and Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze has brought in 12 players from the portal.

Of the dozen players who’ve been added, six are on the offensive side, including two tackles (Gunner Britton and Dillon Wade), an interior lineman (Avery Jones), a wide receiver (Nick Mardner), a tight end (Rivaldo Fairweather) and a running back (Brian Battie). Defensively, three defensive linemen (Lawrence Johnson, Mosiah Nasili-Kite and Justin Rogers), two linebackers (Austin Keys and DeMario Tolan) and an edge (Elijah McAllister) have been ushered in.

There will be a second window open from May 1-15 for players to enter the portal, but as the dust settles from the first wave and spring practice approaches, this group seems to be the initial haul for Freeze.

Here’s a ranking of the additions so far, from No. 12 to No. 1.

12. WR Nick Mardner

There wasn’t a single pass-catcher on Auburn’s roster last season that registered over 500 receiving yards, so the door is open for someone like Mardner to come in and establish themselves as a key playmaker. His 6-foot-6 frame and familiarity with position coach Marcus Davis should help, but there’s competition with younger players like Cambden Brown, Jay Fair and Omari Kelly.