There is a reason why Iowa is affectionately dubbed "Tight End U," and DJ Vonnahme could easily be the next in line.
The Breda, Iowa native and Kuemper Catholic standout was an extremely versatile high school prospect, taking snaps at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and safety. Kirk Ferentz and the program moved him to tight end when he arrived on campus, and it paid immediate dividends. After redshirting in 2024, Vonnahme played sparingly at the beginning of last season before injuries thrust him into the lineup. To say he took full advantage of his opportunity might be an understatement, and he is poised to lead the tight end group next season.
Vonnahme was added to the John Mackey Award Watch List
Everyone is well aware of how consistently the Iowa offense struggles to use the passing game effectively, and despite having former FCS Heisman winner Mark Gronowski under center last season, that didn't change. Iowa ranked No. 127 overall in passing offense last season, but Vonnahme still found ways to make an immediate impact. After a slow start thanks to being buried on the depth chart, Vonnahme showed why he should have been in the lineup all along.
Putting on for TEU 💪@dj_vonnahme ➡️ @TheMackeyAward Watch List 🏆 pic.twitter.com/6LAXzCT2Hk
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 5, 2026
Vonnahme played in 12 games, earning five starts, and despite limited playing time until the end of the season, he led the Hawkeye receiving corps with 434 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. By most other program standards, that shouldn't even rank in the top five, let alone be the best, but it not only showcases how good Vonnahme was down the stretch, but also how bad the Iowa passing attack was. Regardless of Iowa's inept passing attack, Vonnahme has all the skills and potential to lead the group again this season and is being recognized for it.
Vonnahme was added to the John Mackey Award Watch List, which is presented annually to the best tight end in college football. Iowa utilizes its tight ends more than most programs in college football, especially in the passing game, and Vonnahme showed that he can be a stellar pass-catcher and blocker on the outside. Last year's Mackey Award winner was Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers after compiling 769 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, numbers that are easily attainable for Vonnahme this season. If he is the starter right out of the gate, he should easily surpass those numbers, and there is no doubt he will be a safety net for whoever starts under center for the offense.
Vonnahme nearly matched Stowers in far fewer games, and definitely outplayed him when the two programs faced off in the ReliaQuest Bowl last December. If Vonnahme stays healthy and the passing attack isn't completely abandoned early in the season, don't be surprised if Vonnahme is a finalist for the Mackey Award at the end of the season.
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