Texas Faces Battle to Keep Five-Star QB Dia Bell Amid Recruiting Push from Rivals
Three powerhouse programs are making a strong push to flip the Texas Longhorns’ top 2026 recruit away from Austin.
Five-star quarterback Dia Bell, a standout from American Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, FL), is the cornerstone of Texas’ 2026 recruiting class. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound signal-caller is not only the No. 1 recruit in Florida but also ranks as the No. 2 quarterback and No. 5 overall player in the nation. Beyond his elite talent, Bell has played a key role in recruiting other top prospects to Texas, making him an invaluable asset for the Longhorns.
However, the fight to keep Bell committed is far from over. Several top programs, including reigning national champions Ohio State, continue to pursue him aggressively.
“There are a couple of schools still recruiting me—LSU, Georgia, and Ohio State,” Bell told On3’s Chad Simmons. “I like to hear what they have to say and keep in contact with those coaches, just in case anything changes.”
Despite the interest from other programs, Bell reaffirmed his commitment to Texas, stating that as long as head coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterbacks coach AJ Milwee remain in Austin, he plans to stick with the Longhorns.
“My heart is still in Texas and will be as long as Coach Sark and Milwee are there,” Bell said.
Bell is set to take his official visit to Texas from June 20-22, following a recent trip to Austin for the Longhorns’ Junior Day.
During his junior season, Bell delivered an outstanding performance, completing 161 of 228 passes for 2,597 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 561 yards and five touchdowns on 67 carries, including two 100-yard rushing games. His exceptional play earned him the prestigious Gatorade Player of the Year award for Florida.
While Bell remains committed to Texas, the Longhorns will need to fend off continued pressure from top programs determined to change his mind before signing day.
