Former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback Nick Tiano (2017-19) was named MVP of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 18.  Tiano led the National team to a 30-20 win in the game played in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

Tiano was 8/10 passing for 135 yards and a score.  His touchdown throw was a 48-yarder in traffic to Arkansas State receiver Kirk Merritt.

Tiano finished his UTC career in the fall and ranked sixth in school history in total offensive yards (6,569), tied for sixth in TD passes (35) and seventh in career passing yards (5,825). 

Each of the three previous Mocs who competed in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are currently in the NFL.  Corey Levin, now with the Chicago Bears, represented UTC in 2017.  Tae Davis competed in in the 2018 game and is a member of the Cleveland Browns.  Current Tennessee Titan Isaiah Mack was UTC's entrant at the 2019 game.