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 Nebraska in the season finale, followed by 7 receptions for 146 yards and a score in Iowa’s ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Vanderbilt.
Other options for the Iowa offense, which has lacked passing attack options, could be new transfer wideout Tony Diaz, who is blossoming amid spring practices, or Reece Vander Zee, the Iowa native, who finished 2025 strong after injuries, reeling in 8 receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown over Iowa’s final three games.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : CBS Sports offers bold prediction for Iowa football passing attack
Reporting by Riley Donald, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
