5-Star Texas QB Commit Dia Bell Makes Elite 11 History

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Taylor Hartman | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 6:51 PM ET

Dia Bell just etched his name into the history books. The five-star quarterback and Texas Longhorns commit has officially been named Elite 11 MVP, becoming the first Longhorns pledge to ever win the prestigious award.

The Fort Lauderdale native put on a show all week in Los Angeles, capping off the competition with a dominant performance in the 7-on-7 finale. Bell completed 18 of 23 passes for four touchdowns on Day 3, showcasing the poise, arm strength, and accuracy that have made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2026 class.

“I just want to be able to show why I feel like I’m the best quarterback in the country,” Bell said during the event. “Rankings say whatever they want. But we’re out here to compete, to show why we feel like we are the best.”

Bell’s consistency throughout the week set him apart. He was named Day 1 MVP, impressed in the Panini Accuracy Challenge, and completed 15 of 20 throws in the Pro Day drill, with most misses coming on overthrows—an indicator of just how much juice he has in his arm.

The son of former NBA guard Raja Bell, Dia has been on a steady rise since committing to Texas in June 2024. Despite interest from powerhouse programs like Georgia and Alabama, he’s remained locked in with the Longhorns and has even taken on a vocal role in recruiting for their 2026 class.

During his junior season at American Heritage High School, Bell threw for 2,597 yards and 29 touchdowns, completing over 70% of his passes before a playoff injury cut his year short. His performance at Elite 11 should put any lingering concerns to rest.

With names like Caleb Williams, C.J. Stroud, and Matthew Stafford among past MVPs, Bell now joins elite company and gives Texas fans plenty to be excited about.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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