After scoring two touchdowns in Iowa's (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) 30-0 shutout win over Wisconsin on Oct. 31, third-year star DJ Vonnahme was named John Mackey Award Tight End of the Week, the association announced Tuesday.
Established in 2000, the John Mackey Award annually recognizes the most outstanding collegiate tight end while preserving the legacy of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey, one of the most influential players to ever play the position.
In the first quarter alone against the Badgers on Saturday, Vonnahme caught five passes for 54 yards and a 4-yard touchdown. The 6-foot-4, 241-pounder also ran for 10 yards and added a 2-yard rushing score in the third quarter, which is his first career rushing touchdown. The rushing score was also the first by
a Hawkeye tight end since T.J. Hockenson did so at Minnesota in 2018.
Built Different.@dj_vonnahme ➡️ @TheMackeyAward Player of the Week 🏆 pic.twitter.com/yWk0NrTIf0
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) November 3, 2026
The Breda, Iowa, native has been on a roll over the past three games, tallying three touchdown receptions and four total touchdowns. Given the rich history of developing elite NFL tight ends such as George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, and Sam LaPorta, Vonnahme has shown he can continue that positional legacy under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
Vonnahme and the Hawkeyes will look to continue their quest for a College Football Playoff berth on Saturday, Nov. 7, as they visit the new Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill., to take on the Northwestern Wildcats (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten). Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Fox.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football's DJ Vonnahme named John Mackey Award Tight End of the Week
