Under Kirk Ferentz, Iowa football has established a reputation for decades that few other programs in the nation can match. Excellent tight ends are typically among the first things that come to mind when people think of the Hawkeyes. From Dallas Clark to George Kittle to Sam LaPorta, Iowa has continuously produced NFL stars from underappreciated prospects. Luke Lachey’s departure for the league earlier this year raised a familiar question going into the 2025 season: who will be next?
The solution started to take shape as the year went on. DJ Vonnahme, a redshirt freshman, finished the season as Iowa’s top receiver after emerging as the team’s most dependable option in the final stretch. In addition to leading the Hawkeyes, Vonnahme’s 22 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns indicate the possibility of another long-term tight end. He is now the likely starter going into the bowl game and beyond thanks to his development during the second half of the season. But as Iowa gets ready for the postseason, Vonnahme isn’t the only young tight end making waves.
There’s usually more to bowl practices than just the next game. Particularly for younger players who haven’t seen much action, these are crucial developmental windows. The Hawkeyes are taking advantage of this to give one of their 2025 class’s most highly anticipated recruits a closer look. During Tampa Bay’s bowl preparations, true freshman tight end Thomas Meyer has been working with the starting offense, according to Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register.
That’s significant.
Meyer had high hopes when he arrived in Iowa City. According to 247Sports, he was a four-star recruit and the second-best prospect in Iowa’s 2025 class, only surpassed by five-star edge rusher Iose Epenesa. Meyer was ranked as the 143rd overall recruit in the country. The Clear Lake, Iowa native’s height of 6 feet 4 inches and weight of 232 pounds makes him an ideal fit for Iowa’s tight end position.
Meyer didn’t record any numbers during the regular season, despite the excitement. For true freshmen at Iowa, this lack of output is typical, especially at tight end, a position that requires physical maturity, blocking discipline, and a solid grasp of the playbook. Meyer’s long-term potential has nevertheless been highly regarded by the coaching staff, and his recent work with the starters indicates that they are keen to expedite his development.
It’s crucial to remember that Meyer’s reps with the first unit do not guarantee a sharp rise in game action. Iowa can put him on the field without depleting his eligibility because his redshirt status has already been confirmed. This gives him a few chances to see how he reacts in a competitive setting, particularly in passing situations. Vonnahme is anticipated to start the bowl game, building on his late-season success. Hayden Large ought to be involved as well, especially in run-heavy packages where he excels at blocking. However, Meyer’s name is worth keeping an eye on. A few snaps could provide an idea of how Iowa’s offense may develop in the near future.
In the future, the tight end room appears to be one of the program’s advantages once more. Addison Ostrenga is expected to return, offering depth and experience, and Vonnahme and Meyer give Iowa two young, high-ceiling options. After a difficult start for the position group earlier in 2025, that trio puts the Hawkeyes in a strong position going into the 2026 campaign. This comeback feels familiar for a program that prioritizes player development and consistency. Despite Iowa’s tight end growth pains this season, the groundwork seems solid. “Tight End U” appears prepared to reopen its doors and welcome the next generation, with gifted young people, restored confidence, and bowl practices acting as a testing ground.
