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5-Star QB Dia Bell Commits to Texas' Class of 2026; Son of Former NBA SG Raja Bell

Doric SamJune 17, 2024

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 02: Texas Longhorns helmet sits on the sidelines during the Big 12 Championship game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma State Cowboys   on December 02, 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Texas Longhorns landed a commitment from one of the top players in the class of 2026 on Monday.

5-star quarterback Dia Bell, the No. 2 quarterback and No. 10 overall player in 247Sports' composite, announced his commitment to the Longhorns. Bell is the son of former NBA shooting guard Raja Bell, who played in the league for 12 years.

Eli Lederman @ByEliLederman

Dia Bell, the No. 2 QB and No. 9 overall prospect in the 2026 class, commits to Texas.<br><br>The 6-foot-3 pocket passer attended Longhorns camp in Austin earlier this month. He is the son of former 12-year NBA veteran Raja Bell. <a href="https://t.co/isQPtiYwJ2">https://t.co/isQPtiYwJ2</a>

Bell chose Texas over offers from schools like LSU, Penn State, Florida, Colorado and many others. He told Hayes Fawcett of On3.com that he was impressed with the Longhorns during his visits and he developed a rapport with head coach Steve Sarkisian and co-offensive coordinator A.J. Milwee.

"I really enjoyed my visits and have developed great relationships with Coach Sark and Milwee," Bell said. "They are one of the best offenses in the country and have a track record of development at my position. I'm really excited about their move to the SEC and the opportunity to help bring a championship to the 40 acres."

Bell also stars on the basketball team at American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, but he chose not to follow in his father's footsteps because he developed a passion for football during his childhood.

"I always liked both football and basketball growing up. My family are big football fans," he said. "My grandfather played wide receiver in college and worked in the athletic department at the University of Miami when they were winning national championships. I put on pads for the first time when I was in third grade, and I've been hooked ever since."

Fawcett noted that Bell threw for 1,929 yards and 20 touchdowns during his sophomore year. It looks like he's on a trajectory to become the next star quarterback prospect to suit up for the Longhorns.