"Tight End U" accepted its newest member after a dynamic redshirt freshman campaign.
Tight end DJ Vonnahme burst onto the scene this season after redshirting during the 2024 season. Vonnahme was not expected to make a big impact this season, but that changed real quick.
After Addison Ostrenga suffered a season-ending injury after Iowa's week three matchup against Iowa State, and reserve Hayden Large went on the shelf at a few points this season, Vonnahme was called up early.
He made the most of his opportunity, leading the Hawkeyes in receiving yards (434), and earned a special recognition along the way.
FWAA named Vonnahme a Freshman All-American selection
Vonnahme finished his redshirt freshman season with 91 receiving yards and a touchdown in Iowa's 41-16 win over Nebraska, and a massive 146 receiving yards and a touchdown in Iowa's Bowl win over Vanderbilt.
Vonnahme finished the season with 434 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 29 receptions, earning him a Freshman All-American selection by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).
FWAA Freshman All-American 🇺🇸@dj_vonnahme x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/ZRHpHTXqNN
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) January 14, 2026
Vonnahme added some more hardware to his trophy case after already taking home an All-Bowl selection by the Associated Press.
With Vonnahme most likely locked into one of the starting tight end spots next season, the Hawkeyes will have a loaded tight end room.
Ostrenga announced he will return after rehabbing his Achilles injury, and the program will also return Zach Ortwerth, as well as talented young tight ends Mason Woods, Thomas Meyer, and Eli Johnson.
If there is one position the Hawkeyes do not have to worry about next season, it is tight end.
After adding depth to the wide receiver room through the transfer portal, the Iowa offense has the potential to be formidable next season.