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'I'll be here waiting': Arch Manning's replacement Dia Bell already eyeing what he can learn from Texas Longhorns star QB
Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Arch Manning era is nearing for the Texas Longhorns as the 2025 season approaches. Manning, a highly anticipated quarterback in college football, is already influencing future Longhorns, including top recruit Dia Bell.

Bell, a five-star quarterback from the 2026 recruiting class, will eventually join Texas. Although he won’t arrive for a couple of seasons, Bell is observing Manning, his potential future teammate and predecessor.

"Arch is the main person you can look to to learn how to navigate all that noise," Bell said about Manning via CBS Sports. "I mean Quinn [Ewers] definitely had to for sure, but with Arch having the name as well as the hype around him going into this season...he doesn't really get fazed by it."

Being able to see Arch do things a little differently than what most top quarterback prospects do has been a blueprint for Bell. In a time where no one has patience and the transfer portal is quickly filled with aspirations that can't be fulfilled, Bell's keeping a healthy outlook.

"He's waited his time, it's his time now, and hopefully he's going to take full advantage of it," Bell said. "I'm gonna be here waiting to watch it, and then when I get there, if I do get an opportunity to learn from him for a year, I will take full advantage of it."

Manning has been in the spotlight since high school, thanks to his high ranking and famous last name. Like many college football fans, Bell is excited to see Manning play and learn from him.

A key question for the upcoming season is whether Manning will stay for one year or longer. If he meets expectations, he might enter the NFL Draft after the season. However, if he stays for his senior year, he and Bell could be teammates.

"Obviously, if he is one of the best quarterbacks in college football and I'm coming in as a freshman, that's somebody you want to pick their brain," Bell said. "If he does decide to stay the second year, I will have no problem learning, and that just gives me more time to learn everything."

Bell, ranked as the nation’s No. 2 quarterback and Florida’s No. 1 by On3, would join Texas in 2026. If Manning stays, Bell would play alongside the then-junior quarterback, who redshirted in 2024.

With Manning leading this season and Bell on the horizon, the Longhorns’ quarterback future looks promising.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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