Sports
No. 2 scorer Stojakovic returns to loaded Illinois
Andrej Stojakovic is back at Illinois for his senior year, boosting their title hopes!
ESPN News1 min read
SportsFeature
CBS Sports offers bold prediction for Iowa football passing attack
TL;DR
CBS Sports predicts a resurgence in Iowa football's passing attack for the 2026 season, highlighting the potential of tight end DJ Vonnahme. The team is focusing on improving their aerial game after years of strong ground performance.
Key points
- CBS Sports predicts a stronger passing attack for Iowa in 2026
- DJ Vonnahme is highlighted as a key player for the passing game
- The team has relied heavily on its ground game in recent years
Tim LesterIowa HawkeyesDJ Vonnahme
The offseason months are churning along, and the Iowa Hawkeyes are wrapping up spring ball shortly. The rumblings from camp continue to be around what this offense and the passing attack could be. There is commentary about the quarterback battle, wide receivers elevating the offense, and even how much this offensive group will throw downfield.
The passing attack waking up would be a very welcome sight for the Hawkeyes' offensive coordinator, Tim Lester. The ground game has been churning for the last two years and now features a running back set to provide an incredibly phsyical presence.
To get the passing attack to wake up, it takes a main target that can demand attention. That is exactly what CBS Sports predicts could happen for Iowa in their Big Ten bold predictions for the 2026 college football season.
Yes, it's been that long since a Hawkeye has covered that much ground through the air. You won't be surprised to learn it was a tight end who did it. TJ Hockenson finished with 760 receiving yards during the 2018 season. Maybe it'll be DJ Vonnahme this year. He led the team with 434 yards as a freshman tight end. - Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports
Could Iowa have another strong tight end on its hands? DJ Vonnahme, a former walk-on, is a diamond in the rough who flourished down the stretch last year, highlighted by an explosion down the stretch, which saw him have 3 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown against in the season finale, followed by 7 receptions for 146 yards and a score in Iowa's ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Vanderbilt.
Q&A
What is CBS Sports' prediction for Iowa football's passing attack in 2026?
CBS Sports predicts that Iowa's passing attack will improve significantly, potentially led by tight end DJ Vonnahme.
Who is DJ Vonnahme and what are his stats?
DJ Vonnahme is a tight end for Iowa who led the team with 434 receiving yards as a freshman.
How has Iowa football's offensive strategy changed recently?
Iowa football is shifting focus from a strong ground game to enhancing their passing attack, particularly through the development of their wide receivers and tight ends.
