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Saturday, November 14, 2026Nov 14

UTC quarterback Nick Tiano leads Mocs into regular-season finale at VMI as ‘tough team to beat’

Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / UTC quarterback Nick Tiano smiles on the home sideline at Finley Stadium during the Mocs' season opener against Eastern Illiniois on Aug. 29.
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / UTC quarterback Nick Tiano smiles on the home sideline at Finley Stadium during the Mocs' season opener against Eastern Illiniois on Aug. 29.

There were times before and during this season when Nick Tiano’s head was spinning.

In the spring and summer, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback was trying to learn a new offensive system with a new coaching staff and numerous new teammates. Once the season began, injuries started to mount and the offense struggled during a nonconference schedule packed with tough opponents.

The former Baylor School star and his fellow seniors saw their final season with the Mocs slipping away quickly.

“When the last staff left and Coach (Rusty) Wright came in, it was a completely different team,” Tiano said. “We had so many new guys, it’s been a crazy year. It’s flown by. It took us a few games to find our identity, but now we’re playing well and we’re tough to beat. I’m proud of the way we handled it.

“This senior class has been through a lot of changes, so much turnover. We’ve tried to lead the best we can, and it’s great to see Coach Wright has this team headed in the right direction.”