Now, Tennessee’s quarterback is the favorite to be chosen in the mock draft’s first round, ahead of quarterbacks.

QB Nico Iamaleava of Tennessee football is predicted to be the first choice in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Nico Iamaleava has not yet been the Tennessee football team’s full-time starting quarterback. Last season, Nico made one start and contributed significantly to the Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa, 35-0.

Nico is still included in the 2026 NFL Mock Drafts despite his lack of experience. Tennessee’s quarterback is now the front-runner to be selected in the first round of the mock draft, ahead of quarterbacks Arch Manning of Texas, Dante Moore of Oregon, Jackson Arnold of Oklahoma, and LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina.

Nico is the only quarterback drafted in the top five in this mock draft. Oregon’s Moore has been drafted to the New York Giants at No. 6, and Texas’ Manning falls to No. 7 to the Tennessee Titans. Oklahoma’s Arnold goes to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 13, and SC’s Sellers lands at No. 24 with the Dallas Cowboys.

In this mock draft, Nico is the only quarterback selected in the top five. Texas’ Manning is selected by the Tennessee Titans at No. 7, while Oregon’s Moore is selected by the New York Giants at No. 6. At No. 13, Oklahoma’s Arnold joins the Las Vegas Raiders, while South Carolina’s Sellers joins the Dallas Cowboys at No. 24.