Watch as Iowa football scores a flea-flicker touchdown against Vanderbilt. On New Year’s Eve, Iowa football provided the fireworks that illuminated Raymond James Stadium. The Hawkeyes displayed creativity, confidence, and momentum in Tampa when they executed a flawless flea-flicker touchdown against Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl, one of the game’s pivotal moments. The play was more than just a showpiece; it was a declaration that Iowa was prepared to both dominate and amuse.
Iowa was 8-4 overall and 6-3 in Big Ten play going into the bowl game against Vanderbilt, while the Commodores were 10-2 overall and 6-2 in the SEC. It appeared to be a competitive postseason matchup on paper. Iowa immediately demonstrated on the field that it wanted to be in charge of both the tempo and the spotlight.
From the beginning, the trick play went smoothly. The Vanderbilt defense was drawn forward when graduate quarterback Mark Gronowski took the snap and passed the ball to running back Kamari Moulton. After that, Moulton pitched it to Kaden Wetjen, who sold the play for a brief period of time before returning the ball to Gronowski. Gronowski moved up and uncorked a strike downfield while the defense was momentarily paralyzed.
Waiting on the other end was redshirt freshman tight end DJ Vonnahme.
Vonnahme was hit in stride by Gronowski’s 21-yard touchdown pass, igniting the Iowa sideline and thrilling Hawkeye supporters. Iowa’s lead at the time was 21-3 thanks to the score, solidifying their momentum in black and gold. It was the kind of play that fans discuss long after the final whistle, with equal parts bold play-calling, precision, and trust. The flea flicker served as a reminder to Iowa, which is well-known across the country for prioritizing defense, that this offense can still surprise you when the situation demands it.
Vonnahme’s performance only added to the excitement.
Throughout the game, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end was a matchup nightmare for Vanderbilt. Vonnahme finished with four receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown, continuing an already fantastic day with the touchdown grab. Whether it was stretching the field or moving the chains, every catch seemed to arrive at a pivotal moment that kept Vanderbilt’s defense on edge. The touchdown was Vonnahme’s third scoring reception of 2025, another significant accomplishment in the young tight end’s consistent and encouraging campaign. Plays like this one provide insight into why Iowa’s coaching staff is so optimistic about his growth and potential contribution to the offense.
The flea-flicker touchdown demonstrated Gronowski’s composure and authority. As the play progressed, the graduate quarterback did not panic or rush the throw. Rather, he delivered the ball precisely where it needed to be because he trusted the design and his teammates. That composed performance stood out in a bowl game setting with lengthy layoffs, intense emotions, and lots of unpredictability. Beyond the actual highlight, the play represented Iowa’s mindset and preparation for the ReliaQuest Bowl. The outcome of bowl games frequently depends on which team views the chance as more than a prize. It was evident that Iowa arrived in Tampa with a strategy, a grudge, and a readiness to take measured chances.
In the immediate aftermath, Vanderbilt found it difficult to react. The Commodores were forced to chase the game after falling behind by three points against an Iowa team that performs best when it can set its own rules. Balance, discipline, and timely aggression were the Hawkeyes’ go-to strategies for many of their best games.
The flea-flicker touchdown, which fans replayed on their phones and discussed in the stands, continued to be one of the game’s highlights as it progressed. It was more than just points on the scoreboard; it was about swagger, confidence, and taking center stage on a national platform. Style points aren’t necessary during bowl season, but they are undoubtedly memorable. This black-and-gold trick play was a highlight for Iowa football as well as a reminder that the Hawkeyes aren’t scared to respond with a little flair when the chance arises.
