Iowa's DJ Vonnahme Among Top 10 College Fantasy Tight Ends for 2026
As college football season kicks off, fantasy football managers are scouring the waiver wire and draft boards for tight end value. With five of last year's top six fantasy tight ends now in the NFL, the position is wide open for new stars to emerge. For Iowa Hawkeyes fans, there's reason for optimism: tight end DJ Vonnahme ranks among the top 10 college fantasy tight ends for 2026, according to a new preseason breakdown.
DJ Vonnahme: A bright spot in Iowa's offense
Vonnahme comes in at No. 3 on the list, a remarkable placement given Iowa's offensive struggles. The Hawkeyes ranked among the worst in the nation in Pass Success Rate and offensive Predicted Points Added last season. Despite those challenges, Vonnahme delivered a standout 2025 campaign with 29 receptions for 434 yards and three touchdowns, leading the team in all three categories while averaging 15 yards per reception.
With a new quarterback taking over in Iowa City and the offense desperate to establish a passing game, Vonnahme is poised to see plenty of targets. If the Hawkeyes can move the ball into the red zone with any consistency, he figures to be the primary end zone target, giving him strong fantasy value.
Trey'Dez Green tops the list at LSU
LSU's Trey'Dez Green takes the No. 1 spot after finishing as the TE10 in fantasy last year despite playing just eight games. Green missed significant time with an injury but still managed 33 receptions for 433 yards and seven touchdowns, scoring in six of his eight games. He's expected to play a bigger role in Lane Kiffin's offense in 2026, with quarterback Sam Leavitt potentially elevating both their fantasy values.
Oregon's Jamari Johnson ready for expanded role
Oregon's Jamari Johnson ranks No. 2 after a solid 2025 season that saw him haul in 32 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson was the second tight end on the depth chart behind Kenyon Sadiq, who finished as TE4 last year before being drafted in the first round by the New York Jets. That departure opens up significant opportunities for Johnson, who could be in line for 600-plus yards and at least five touchdowns in 2026.
Complete top 10 college fantasy tight ends for 2026
Here's the full ranking of the top college fantasy tight ends heading into the 2026 season:
- Trey'Dez Green, LSU
- Jamari Johnson, Oregon
- DJ Vonnahme, Iowa
- Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
- Grant Hollier, Georgia State
- Dylan Wade, UCF
- Benjamin Brahmer, Penn State
- Patrick Overmyer, Houston
- Dorian Fleming, Maryland
- Jeremiah Hasley, Duke
Other notable tight ends to watch
Texas Tech's Terrance Carter Jr. comes in at No. 4 after a 55-reception season in 2025, though his value depends on the Red Raiders' quarterback situation. Grant Hollier of Georgia State is the only non-Power Four conference player on the list, bringing in 21 receptions for 288 yards and four touchdowns in just eight games last year.
UCF's Dylan Wade offers reliability with a low floor, while Penn State's Benjamin Brahmer reunites with quarterback Rocco Becht and head coach Matt Campbell. Houston's Patrick Overmyer and Maryland's Dorian Fleming round out the list with new offensive systems that could boost their production.
For Iowa fans, Vonnahme's ranking is a bright spot in what has been a difficult stretch for the Hawkeyes' offense. If the passing game shows any improvement in 2026, Vonnahme could be one of the biggest fantasy sleepers of the season.
What does this mean for Iowa football?
Vonnahme's emergence as a top fantasy tight end reflects his individual talent, but it also highlights Iowa's ongoing offensive challenges. The Hawkeyes have struggled to generate consistent passing production for years, and the team's offensive coordinator search and quarterback competition will be critical factors in 2026.
If Iowa can find even moderate improvement in its passing attack, Vonnahme's red zone prowess and reliable hands make him a legitimate weapon. For fantasy managers, he represents excellent value, especially in leagues that reward tight end production.