The Iowa football program has grown accustomed to having elite tight ends on the roster. This year's team is no different.
On Wednesday, it was announced that third-year tight end DJ Vonnahme has been named a Mackey Award semifinalist. Named after Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey, the award is given annually to the most outstanding tight end in college football.
The winner exemplifies Mackey's values of play, sportsmanship, academics, and community. Vonnahme is one of nine semifinalists for this year's award.
TEU Certified.@dj_vonnahme ➡️ @TheMackeyAward Semifinalist 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3kWYTkhNpI
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) November 11, 2026
After bursting onto the scene late last season, Vonnahme has blossomed into a strong playmaker in 2026. In nine games, he has 32 receptions
for 314 yards and three touchdowns. The 6-foot-4 tight end has had some big games this season, including a two-touchdown performance against Washington. He's developed a nice rapport with Hank Brown in recent weeks and should continue to put up numbers the rest of the way.
Vonnahme is looking to become the third Iowa tight end to take home the Mackey Award. Dallas Clark won it in 2002, and T.J. Hockenson received the trophy in 2018. It would be quite the accomplishment for Vonnahme, a former walk-on.
Tony Moeaki (2009), Allen Reisner (2010), Noah Fant (2018) and Sam LaPorta (2022) were also semifinalists for the award.
Finalists for the Mackey Award will be announced on Nov. 24. The winner will be revealed on Dec. 11 during ESPN's College Football Awards show.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football TE DJ Vonnahme named Mackey Award semifinalist
