Dia Bell will probably be the heir apparent to Arch Manning in a couple of years. The five-star has been committed to Texas for over a year. Now, the 2026 blue chip quarterback has a major feather in his cap. Bell has been named the overall MVP of the prestigious Elite 11 QB event in Los Angeles.
Bell was the MVP of Day 1 of the event and had a strong showing on Day 2. His performance on Day 3 clinched the title, something Elite 11 attendee Vince Young couldn’t do. Of the eleven Texas quarterbacks to be invited to the event, Bell is the first to win the overall MVP. Bell is also the son of former NBA star Raja Bell.
The event, which includes quarterbacks committed to the likes of Tennessee, Florida, Penn State, Texas A&M and Washington, is the biggest camp of the recruiting season for quarterbacks. Past MVPs include Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, Caleb Williams, C.J. Stroud, Justin Fields, Tua Tagovailoa, Matthew Stafford.
According to On3, Bell finished 18 of 23 passing for four touchdowns during the 7v7 portion of Day 3 on Thursday.
“Dia Bell lived up to his status as On3’s highest rated Elite 11 Finalist, stacking three impressive days of work in Los Angeles. The Texas commit showed the most refined and consistent mechanics we saw throughout the week. Bell was the On3 MVP on Day 1, standing out during drill work. He was a Top Performer on Day 2, flashing excellent footwork in his drops from under center. On Day 3, Bell pitched a clean sheet in 7-on-7, going 18 of 23 for 4 touchdowns, with zero interceptions or sacks. The South Florida native’s arm talent, level of refined skill, and track record against top competition give him the highest floor of any quarterback in the 2026 cycle.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings
Bell, who was named the Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, had his 2024 season cut short due to a serious leg injury in Florida’s state playoffs. But his performance at Elite 11 should put to rest any fears that the injury would impact Bell’s longterm outlook.
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. Bell is the No. 2 ranked QB in the 2026 recruiting class according to On3’s Industry Composite Rankings.
“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
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Arch Manning heir apparent, Texas QB commit Dia Bell named MVP of entire Elite 11 event
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
