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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa third-year tight end DJ Vonnahme has been named a 2026 John Mackey Award semifinalist.
Presented annually by the Friends of John Mackey, the award goes to the nation’s most outstanding tight end. Vonnahme is one of nine semifinalists and one of two across the Big Ten.
The native of Breda, Iowa, has 32 receptions for 314 yards and three touchdowns in 2026. He had a season-high six receptions for 64 yards versus the Buckeyes. Vonnahme caught touchdown passes of 20 and 24 yards in Iowa's road victory at Washington. He recorded five catches for 54 yards and two total touchdowns (one rush and one receiving) against Wisconsin. His efforts in Iowa's 30-point shutout win over the Badgers earned him John Mackey Tight End of the Week honors on Nov. 3.
Iowa has had two previous winners of the Mackey Award, including Dallas Clark in 2002 and T.J. Hockenson in 2018. Tony Moeaki (2009), Allen Reisner (2010), Noah Fant (2018) and Sam LaPorta (2022) were also semifinalists for the award.
Three finalists for the award will be unveiled Nov. 24.
No. 16 Iowa (7-2, 4-2) hosts Purdue (3-6, 2-4) on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (CT) on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. The game will be televised on NBC and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.