From a family loaded with talent, elite 2026 QB Dia Bell making a name for himself

SCOUTING REPORT

SIZE:

Dia has very good size for a 2026 Dual Threat QB at 6'3" 195 lbs. He’s a pure athlete, able to do anything that he wants on the field. He sets the tone when on the field. Plays well above the level of competition.

ACCURACY:

He can hit on anywhere on the field. Whether it comes from on the run or in the pocket, his throwing motion remains consistent. Threw for a 75% completion rate last season.

ARM STRENGTH:

He can let it rip for way back, making big throws in between zone coverage. His vertical game is deadly because of the threat of his running ability. High velocity throws that enter the secondary with dart like acceleration.

RELEASE:

He has an over the top delivery with an arm motion that comes from way back. Because of this, he’s able to gain momentum throughout his delivery. Very good body mechanics and footwork prior to set up.

THROW ON RUN:

Dia's able to get to the outside in a hurry, seeking out big play opportunities. Many facets to his game, which can spell trouble for defenses.

FOOTWORK:

He’s very elusive out in the open field, with spins and quickness. He’s very hard to contain once he breaks free. Shows good vision while on the run.

POISE:

Dia displays good awareness of the defensive pressure, able to move away from incoming pressure. He shows good patience in the pocket, waiting for his receivers to complete their routes.

POCKET PRESENCE:

He’s very comfortable in the pocket whether setting up for deliver or shifting to the outside for a quick hitter. Able to step up in the pocket or move laterally when needed.

DECISION MAKING:

Does a nice job working through his progressions while on the fly. He’s an intelligent QB who takes advantage of what the defense gives him. Very decisive with his throws.

TOUCH:

Very good touch in all areas of the field, short, intermediate and long. He’s skilled at taking something off the velocity of his throws when needed.

Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage four-star quarterback Dia Bell saw his recruitment take off significantly over the past 12 months. The class of 2026 standout now holds nearly 40 offers from schools all over the country. In addition, he saw a big bump in his national ranking.

247Sports lists Bell is the No. 21 overall player in the country, No. 4 quarterback in the nation, and No. 4 talent in the state of Florida from the class of 2026. Bell doesn’t concern himself with measuring up to the athletic achievements of his father. He has very little memory of Raja’s playing career, which ended with the Utah Jazz in 2012.

“My dad told me not to really worry about holding myself up to his standard, just play and be who I am,” Bell said. “He’s been really supportive in that way. I mean, there’s always gonna be times when people are gonna put you up against your dad, especially when you star on the basketball team. I just try to back it up with what I do on the court and on the field. It’s not just about who he is, but it’s who I am, as well.”

Raja Bell, who worked as an executive with the Cleveland Cavaliers and won a championship with the organization in 2016, has been a podcast host for The Ringer for the past few years.

Raja said he seeks advice from other parents who have gone through the recruiting process. Bell said he wants his son to get to know the coaches recruiting him and make the best decision for himself.

In a way, Bell said he’s glad basketball isn’t going to add an extra layer for his son to deal with.

“Once basketball was taken off his plate and he didn’t have to worry about training for it, his focus on football, the prep, the understanding of coverages … he soaked it all up,” Bell said.

“I have no disillusion that he’s coming back or wants to play basketball in any real capacity other than probably for fun in high school.”