Four-star QB Dia Bell commits to Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns for the class of 2026: REPORTS

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has been incredibly successful in recruiting some of the top quarterbacks in the country since his arrival, and the success continues. Four-star prospect Dia Bell, a quarterback from Florida's American Heritage High School, committed to the program on Monday.

Bell chose Texas over the likes of Penn State, Florida, LSU, Arkansas, Florida State and Colorado. He is now the highest-rated commit in the Longhorns' 2026 class. His early commitment adds to the trend of elite signal-callers pledging their allegiance well before their junior seasons.

The Longhorns have commitments from KJ Lacey, a highly rated quarterback in the 2025 class, and Trey Owens, a signee for 2024. They also have second-year quarterback Arch Manning, who was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class, and Quinn Ewers, a former top recruit who transferred from Ohio State in 2022.

Bell is the son of former NBA shooting guard Raja Bell, but he has carved his own path in football despite his father's illustrious basketball career. Raja Bell enjoyed a 12-year NBA tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Bobcats and Golden State Warriors.

But Dia found his passion on the football field during his childhood, even as he excelled in basketball, averaging 20.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game as a freshman at American Heritage High School. He threw for 1,929 yards and 20 touchdowns in his sophomore year.

Bell recorded 135-of-210 passing for 2,246 yards, six interceptions and 24 touchdowns, and he added 58 rushes for 116 yards and three more scores, during the past two seasons.

Dia Bell opens up about His decision to commit to Texas

Texas first offered Dia Bell on March 19, and his commitment to the program comes less than a month after he attended their elite camp. Those visits let him identify the Longhorns' caliber and his potential fit to fit the program.

"They are one of the best offenses in the country and have a track record of development at my position," Bell revealed to Hayes Fawcett of On3." I'm really excited about their move to the SEC and the opportunity to help bring a championship to the 40 acres."

Bell also developed good bonds with Sarkisian and co-offensive coordinator A.J. Milwee.

"I really enjoyed my visits and have developed great relationships with Coach Sark and Milwee. I speak more often with coach Milwee though. I have really good relationships with a lot of the Coaches on staff."

"They have always been honest and up front throughout the entire process. They showed me the plan on how they would develop me and get me ready to be the QB of Texas Football one day.”

Bell is the No. 21 overall player and the No. 4 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. On3 ranks him as the No. 14 player nationally, the No. 2 quarterback and the No. 1 player in Florida.