Texas 5-star QB commit Dia Bell already drawing more top 2026 recruits

It’s been almost two years since Texas landed the most hyped college football recruit of all-time (™), Isidore Newman (La.) quarterback Arch Manning. Now, 18-months into Manning’s time on a college campus (and multiple lost college IDs later), the Longhorns and coach Steve Sarkisian appear to have their next superstar quarterback of the future.

The commitment of American Heritage (Fla.) 5-star quarterback Dia Bell hands Texas the ultimate headliner for its very early class of 2026, and also the perfect transition from what is expected to be Manning’s future rein under center. Bell is a top-10 overall recruit in the Class of 2026. He’s a composite top-4 quarterback, a 5-star recruiting class leader who is seen as close to a can’t miss junior prospect as you’ll find.

And that’s before you consider the celebrity pedigree; yes, Dia Bell is the son of former Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns star Raja Bell. In case you’re wondering, yes, Bell is also a legitimate basketball prospect who plays for his father at American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) High School; he averaged nearly 14 points and 5 rebounds per game as a junior, with a 40-point game among his career highlights.

Still, those stats pale in comparison to his football resume and potential. In his first full season as the starting signal caller at American Heritage, Bell passed for nearly 2,000 yards, with 20 touchdowns and just four interceptions; he also had two additional touchdowns on the ground.

The long-term impact of Bell’s commitment is potentially immense. While Texas has added a quality quarterback in both the 2024 (Texas 4-star high school star Trey Owens) and 2025 classes (Alabama 4-star K.J. Lacey is a current commit), neither possesses quite the buzz or pure arm strength of Bell. Not to mention his dedication to bringing in more talent to the class:

Thank u to everyone who offered me a chance 2 pursue my dreams at ur school. I am grateful for all of u and the relationships we built! These 📸’s were from 2 years ago to the day. It was always the plan! @TexasFootball time to build the best 2026 class in the country! 🤘🏽 #HookEm pic.twitter.com/1LLqju4bkf

— Dia Bell 2026 QB (@DiaBell3QB1) June 17, 2024

That buzz is already bearing fruit. Just days after Bell’s commitment, one of the top wide receivers in the class, 4-star Chris Stewart from Pearland (Texas) followed suit:

BREAKING: Pearland Shadow Creek 2026 four-star WR Chris Stewart has committed to Texas!! #HookEm

Texas ‘felt like home’ for Stewart and he broke down the decision with @Horns247

(FREE)🔗: https://t.co/x8mHLrIS8z pic.twitter.com/mHwnjhhA04

— Jordan Scruggs (@JScruggs247) June 25, 2024

And, just after that, the top-rated overall 2026 prospect, DE Jahkeem Stewart, also announced an official visit to Austin. An official visit is far from a commitment, but the timing is more than mere coincidence.

It’s very early in the 2026 recruiting wars, but one can’t underestimate the importance of momentum in building a monster class. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is deploying a “sandwich QB recruiting” model to both ensure he has adequate top-end depth at the most important position and to entice another loaded class to come in together, just as the 2023 group did behind Arch Manning.

That’s exciting news for Texas fans, and apparently for some 2025 and 2026 recruits as well.