This is not an intro to a popular song by Fort Minor, but Hawkeye fans opposing players should remember DJ Vonnahme's name.
Going into the 2025 season, most casual fans and people outside of the Iowa program did not know who Vonnahme was, but his talent was on full display during the second half of the season.
The redshirt freshman tight end from Breda, Iowa, and Carroll Kuemper High School was not a household name, but he has proven he will be the next star tight end from "Tight End U."
Vonnahme's stock started to rise after being targeted seven times during Iowa's loss to Indiana in week five.
Vonnahme became a favorite target of quarterback Mark Gronowski and a fixture in the passing game after week five, finishing the season as Iowa's leader in receiving yards.
He finished the season with a team-leading 434 receiving yards, while also adding three touchdown receptions.
In Iowa's impressive upset win over No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Vonnahme had a breakout performance, compiling 146 receiving yards and a touchdown.
After an impressive showing in Iowa's Bowl game, Vonnahme was named to a prestigious postseason list.
Showed Up & Showed Out@dj_vonnahme ➡️ AP All-Bowl Team pic.twitter.com/I9ErslrxX6
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) January 6, 2026
Vonnahme was named to the AP's All-Bowl Team, solidifying his status as a rising star.
Iowa got some good news after starting tight end Addison Ostrenga announced he is coming back next season, and with Vonnahme's development, the Hawkeyes will have a solid one-two punch at the tight end spot next season.
Iowa's TE room will be loaded with talent next season
Even with Ostrenga coming back for another year next season, Vonnahme has proven that he should be the starter.
We also can't forget about Zach Ortwerth, who was on the preseason Mackey Award watch list, and talented freshman tight end Thomas Meyer, who got a lot of opportunities during Iowa's Bowl preparation this season.
Iowa will not be void of talent in the TE room next season, but do not be surprised if we see Vonnahme's name at the top of the depth chart to begin the year.