Auburn football’s quarterback will have a revamped supporting cast next fall, whether it’s Robby Ashford or another player in the portal.

Nick Mardner, a Canadian-born wide reciever who’s caught touchdowns for Hawaii and Cincinnati, became the eighth transfer into Hugh Freeze’s program on Monday. Mardner announced the commitment on his social media accounts. His decision comes after five players pledged their 2023 seasons to Auburn over the weekend.

Mardner, listed at 6-foot-6, 215-pounds, recorded 218 receiving yards and three touchdowns for the Bearcats last season. In his career, Mardner’s totaled over 1,400 yards with 11 touchdowns. His best campaign was in 2021 with Hawaii when, under new Auburn wide receivers coach Marcus Davis, Mardner was named an All-Mountain West honorable mention.

Mardner held offers from South Florida, West Virginia and more after entering the portal on Dec. 7. Davis’ hire was confirmed later in the month. Mardner has one year of eligibility remaining.

Mardner should give Auburn a big-bodied target on the outside that can beat cornerbacks in one-on-one matchups. He ranked ninth nationally with 19.9 yards a reception as a junior. During Cincinnati’s season-opening loss to Arkansas on Sept. 3, Mardner caught a 35-yard touchdown in the one-score loss.

Along with three-star high school pledge Daquayvious Sorey, Mardner will be the second wide reciever and fourth offensive skill player to help reshape an offense designed by offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery. Auburn is awaiting the letter of intent from Montgomery Catholic running back Jeremiah Cobb and the first transfer of the current cycle, FIU tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, who committed in December.

Auburn’s returning scholarship wide receivers include Ja’Varrius Johnson, Malcom Johnson Jr., Koy Moore, Landen King, Camden Brown, Omari Kelly and Jay Fair. That group combined for 63 receptions and six touchdowns.

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected]