The Texas Longhorns just locked in their quarterback of the future - and they did it in a way that elite programs dream of: early, decisively, and with a player who checks just about every box you’d want at the position.
On Wednesday, Dia Bell, the standout quarterback from Fort Lauderdale’s American Heritage School, officially became the first signee in Texas’ 2026 recruiting class. That’s a big-time move for Steve Sarkisian and his staff, who beat out more than 40 schools - including heavyweights like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and LSU - to land Bell’s commitment earlier this year. It’s the kind of recruiting win that doesn’t just fill a roster spot; it helps define a class.
Bell is far from your average high school quarterback. He’s the son of former NBA sharpshooter Raja Bell, and that multi-sport pedigree shows.
On the hardwood, he averaged 20 points, 5 assists, and nearly 5 boards a game as a freshman. But it’s what he’s doing on the football field that has the college football world paying attention.
As a junior, Bell was dialed in. He completed over 70 percent of his passes - 161 of 228 - for 2,597 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six picks.
He added another 561 yards and five scores on the ground, averaging an impressive 8.4 yards per carry. That’s not just dual-threat ability - that’s command of the offense and the kind of efficiency that translates to the next level.
Even with his junior season cut short by injury, the tape speaks volumes. Bell operates with poise under pressure, rarely rattled in the pocket, and has the athleticism to escape and extend plays when things break down.
His mechanics are smooth, his footwork is clean, and he throws with touch - especially on deep balls, where he consistently leads receivers into space. He’s also shown growth in going through his progressions, though there’s still room to sharpen his decision-making when it comes to risk vs. reward.
Physically, Bell stands at 6’2.5” and 215 pounds, with 10-inch hands and a frame that evaluators believe is still developing. That suggests there’s even more upside to tap into as he matures and gets into a college strength program. He’s already been battle-tested against elite competition and carries a 19-4 record as a starter - that kind of experience matters.
This past summer, Bell turned heads by winning MVP honors at the Elite 11, the premier quarterback showcase in the country. Unfortunately, an injury ended his high school career shortly after, but it hasn’t affected his standing in the eyes of recruiters. He remains a consensus five-star prospect, ranked No. 9 overall and the No. 4 quarterback nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns are in a strong spot. Arch Manning still has two years of eligibility left, though it’s unlikely he stays in Austin through the 2026 season. That gives Bell time to develop - to learn the system, adjust to the speed of the college game, and prepare for what will likely be a fierce competition with KJ Lacey and the 2027 quarterback signee down the line.
Bottom line: Texas just added a quarterback with natural arm talent, high-level athleticism, and a competitive edge that’s already been tested against top-tier opponents. If Bell stays healthy and continues on his current trajectory, he’s got all the tools to be a difference-maker in Austin.