"Tight End U" is a term used to describe the Iowa Football program following its success in developing star NFL tight ends. The list includes Dallas Clark, George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant, C.J. Fiedorowicz, and Sam LaPorta.
Former Hawkeye tight end Luke Lachey also hopes to add his name to the list after the Houston Texans selected him in the seventh round with the No. 255 overall pick.
Iowa Football has a rich history of developing high-caliber tight ends, beginning with the coaching staff.
Kirk Ferentz has always utilized his tight ends, and Iowa has a tendency to throw the football to the tight ends more than the receivers.
The Hawkeyes also benefit from using the wisdom and experience of former player Abdul Hodge as the tight ends/fullbacks coach. Hodge was a linebacker for the Hawkeyes from 2002 to 2005.
As the lore of Tight End U grows, the Hawkeyes continue attracting top tight end talent. One of those talents is a 2026 three-star prospect from Ohio.
NEWS: Class of 2026 TE Preston Fryzel is down to Notre Dame, Iowa, & Miami, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 18, 2025
The 6’4 220 TE from Toledo, OH will announce his Commitment on June 23rd
Where Should He Go? ⬇️https://t.co/W1KsQcYeda pic.twitter.com/gGhJTu0p3P
Preston Fryzel, a 2026 tight end prospect from Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio, narrowed his preferred destinations to three programs, including Iowa, Notre Dame, and Miami.
On 3 Sports ranked Fryzel as a three-star prospect, Ohio's No. 30 prospect, and the No. 744 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class.
247 Sports also ranked Fryzel as a three-star prospect, but Ohio's No. 29 prospect and the No. 712 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class.
Fryzel is a six-foot-four, 240-pound prospect and is expected to make his college decision on June 23.