Top overall Florida recruit, 5-star QB Dia Bell, signs with Texas

The top prospect from the Sunshine State made it official on Wednesday, signing with the Texas Longhorns.

“I’ve been committed for a year and a half now,” Bell said. “I trust them with my development and my process. That’s where I want to be, and that’s where I feel I will develop the best.”

Dia Bell, a five-star rated quarterback from American Heritage Plantation (Fla.), has remained hooked with the Horns since making his pledge on June 17th of 2024. The six-foot-three 220-pounder chose Texas over Miami, LSU, and Penn State.

As a sophomore, Bell threw for 1,929 yards and 20 touchdowns and has improved in every season as a signal caller.

During his junior season, Bell completed 70 percent of his passes for 2,560 yards, throwing for 27 touchdowns and six interceptions. His season was cut short as he suffered a torn ligament between his fibula and tibia, and wide receiver Malachi Toney was able to lead the team to a state championship at quarterback.

“I’ve come a very long way with my rehab process. When you have injuries like that, you always think it’s the end of the world. Every day, you’ve got to take a step forward, grow, and see that this was done for a reason. I’m happy where I am now. It’s taken me a while, but I’m back now. I’m trying to just build off of it…It took me a while to get here. There’s still some scar tissue breaking up, but it feels way better.”

The following offseason, Bell proved he was fully recovered from the injury, winning the Elite 11, the annual national high school quarterback competition. Bell was the first Texas Longhorn commit to be awarded the MVP of the event.

His senior season was also cut short due to a lower extremity injury. Bell played in two games, completing 63 percent of his passes for 540 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

“It definitely takes a mental toll on not being able to play the game that you love,” Bell said. “It builds character. That’s what it’s done for me. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to finish either of my junior or senior seasons, but it has built me to be the person I am today, and it’s only going to set me up in the long term.”

Dia Bell, the son of former NBA star Raja Bell, played basketball in his sophomore season, averaging 13 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Bell was fully committed to football after that season.

“My dad always encouraged me to play all sports so I could figure out what I liked the best. I played soccer, baseball, tennis, basketball, and football when I was younger. My dad said that he would support me in whatever my passion was. Sports or not.”

Bell feels confident that he has what it takes to bring another championship to Austin.

“I’m coming to prepare like I’m the starter, whether I am or not. I’m coming to give them my all and try to give them some national championships.”