Three-star quarterback Jacob Bell committed to Indiana's 2025 class on Wednesday. The standout from Naperville North High School in Illinois had committed to Ball State since the summer but decommitted just hours before announcing his decision to join the Hoosiers.
“I’m super excited to look into a program with a history and established coaching staff like Indiana,” Bell told On3 following his commitment.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound prospect wrapped up his senior season by completing 63% of his passes for 3,082 yards and recording 38 touchdowns for seven interceptions, while also rushing for 142 yards and scoring four touchdowns.
Bell’s commitment comes less than a week after redshirt sophomore quarterback Tayven Jackson entered the transfer portal. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti initially expressed confidence in young quarterbacks Tyler Cherry and Alberto Mendoza, but Bell’s talent and potential were too good to pass up.
Jacob Bell is the No. 108 quarterback in the 2025 class and the No. 50 recruit in Illinois, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He was named Naperville Sun, Daily Herald Player of the Year, All-State, All-Conference, All-County and All-Area this season.
Jacob Bell opens up about his commitment to Indiana
Jacob Bell made his official visit to Indiana on Saturday and Sunday. After receiving an offer from the Hoosiers, he didn’t even wait a day to announce his commitment to his in-state program.
"Staying in close proximity to home and playing in the Big Ten is a dream come true," Bell told 247Sports. "Growing up in the Midwest it’s all around you and something you strive towards. This is just the next step of my journey."
While Bell missed the opportunity to meet with new quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer during his visit, he spent significant time with Indiana offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan. He expressed his excitement about joining Curt Cignetti's Indiana team, which enjoyed an 8-1 record in the Big Ten this season before falling to Notre Dame, 27-17, in the playoffs on Saturday.
“Seeing Coach Cignetti flip around a long awaited dynasty and make them a College Football Playoff contender in his first year lets me know that they have a bright future and it’s something that looks fun to be a part of,” Bell told On3.
Jacob Bell’s addition marks the 22nd commitment in Indiana’s 2025 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 50 nationally. The class features 23 committed players and eight transfer prospects.