Dia Bell, the 6′3″, ~215‑lb pocket passer from American Heritage (Plantation, FL), has become one of the most buzzed‑about quarterbacks in the 2026 class. A son of former NBA defensive standout Raja Bell, Dia was a multi‑sport athlete before fully committing to football during the COVID pandemic .
Early Accolades & Athletic Pedigree
Bell’s breakout came during his sophomore season when he threw for nearly 1,930 yards with 20 TDs and just four INTs, leading his team to the state title game . He followed that up by winning Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior, completing 70.6% of his passes for 2,597 yards with 29 TDs, plus 561 rushing yards and five more scores .
Elite‑Level Performance
Bell made national headlines at the 2025 Elite 11 Finals, earning MVP honors—the first Texas commit ever to do so. He completed 17–18 passes in the 7‑on‑7 finals for four touchdowns, showcasing pinpoint accuracy, poise, and a knack for high-pressure situations . Scouts praised his clean throwing motion, footwork, strong arm, and dual-threat capability .
Why Texas?
Bell officially committed to Texas in June 2024, opting for the Longhorns over a crowded field that included Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, and Oregon . He has made it clear he values development under offensive guru Steve Sarkisian—and the chance to learn behind Arch Manning .
Learning from Arch Manning
Bell has been vocal about studying Manning’s approach to fame and expectations. He admires Arch’s calm, media‑savvy demeanor and hopes to absorb those lessons while waiting his turn as a backup . He’s embracing the timeline: one year behind Manning, then the opportunity to compete.
What Lies Ahead
As the face of Texas’ 2026 class, Bell brings elite talent, composure, and leadership. His elite performance at the Elite 11, stellar high‑school résumé, and academic pedigree position him as a future leader for the Longhorns—and potentially a first‑round NFL pick.
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With Bell’s blend of arm talent, athleticism, and mindset, Texas fans have strong reasons to be excited for a new era at QB.