Texas Longhorns QB commit, probable Arch Manning replacement, wins Day 1 MVP at Elite 11
Arch Manning's probable heir apparent is making a name for himself this week in Los Angeles. Texas Longhorns quarterback commit Dia Bell has shined at the Elite 11 Tuesday. Bell was named the MVP of Day 1 of the nation's premier quarterback camp.
Since 1999, the Elite 11 has launched several NFL careers, including Andrew Luck and Trevor Lawrence. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida five-star showed off his strong arm on Tuesday for scouts and fans at Mira Costa High School in LA. He displayed a quick release and confident motion that makes his throws look effortless.
Bell, who was named the Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, currently sits in first place at the event, after having the best day of all of the QBs in the camp. The son of former NBA shooting guard Raja Bell battled Tennessee commit Faizon Brandon throughout Day 1, but scouts felt Bell had better zip on his throws to go along with elite accuracy.
"Throughout the night, the most consistent for my money was Bell. He rarely missed a throw and looked smooth in his footwork and delivery snap after snap after snap. He also showed off an even more elite arm talent than we initially anticipated, and constantly placed the ball in the right windows with impressive zip and accuracy." - Matt Galatzan of SI
The hype around the future Texas QB continues to grow. Bell is the No. 2 ranked QB in the 2026 recruiting class according to On3's Industry Composite Rankings.
The five-star prospect wowed onlookers with fluid mechanics and pinpoint accuracy. His ability to deliver precise throws across all levels of the field, particularly near the goal line, left scouts and analysts impressed.
"Texas commit (Dia Bell) was outstanding all night, threw beautiful passes to every level of the field and spun it as well as anyone. As the night wore on, Bell's arm didn't tire at all, he kept great pace on all his passes and looked like a five-star contender. Whether it was during a station near the goal line or throwing the deep ball to the outside, Bell was on the money on almost every throw and looked really comfortable doing it." - Adam Gorney of Rivals.com
During his junior year at American Heritage High School, the 6-foot-2 QB threw for 2,597 yards and 29 touchdowns, completing 70.6% of his passes. While his production was impressive, his smooth mechanics and feel for the game have evaluators believing Bell might be the most complete quarterback in the class.
'Dia Bell hasn't played a whole lot of football. But when he has been playing, Raja Bell's kid has been absolutely throwing darts. Can he do it? I mean, this is a guy that people compare to Jordan Love - Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love, not necessarily Utah State Jordan Love.' - RJ Young on Adapt & Respond podcast
Bell's season was cut short due to a serious leg injury during Florida's state playoffs, where he had to be carted off the field. But his performance at Elite 11 should put to rest any fears that the injury would impact Bell's longterm outlook.
'The Elite 11 is a huge thing for quarterbacks, so it is an honor for me to be in the Finals this week. I have been going to camps since I was in middle school, trying to get my name out there and being in this event was always a goal for me. Being invited and being able to compete means a lot. You want to be a top guy, and this is where you show it.' - Bell told On3's Chad Simmons
Day 2 will feature a simulated pro day that will have each quarterback going through the same 20-throw script.
Follow us on X/Twitter at @LonghornsWire.
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