Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns offer 4-star QB Dia Bell $9.2 million NIL deal: REPORTS

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is making headlines over 4-star quarterback Dia Bell. The Longhorns have reportedly offered Bell a $9.2 million NIL deal, including a $2 million bonus on Signing Day and annual payments of $1.6 million to secure his commitment.

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Dia Bell is the son of former NBA player Raja Bell. A 6-foot-3 quarterback, he played high school football at American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale. The 17-year-old racked up 1,929 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore.

The Longhorns' QB room is stacked with talent, with Quinn Ewers set to start as QB1 after leading Texas to the College Football Playoff last year. Then comes Arch Manning, the top recruit from 2022 with immense potential but struggling for playing time under Sarkisian.

Adding Bell to this mix could make Texas' quarterback roster one of the most dangerous in college football. The substantial NIL deal highlights the growing importance of financial incentives in college sports recruitment, setting a new standard for future commitments.

Also read: “We’re developing him to be a great football player” - Texas HC Steve Sarkisian drops insight on $2.4M NIL-valued Arch Manning’s future

Recruiting Dia Bell is masterstroke of Steve Sarkisian

Steve Sarkisian’s latest recruiting coup, landing 2026 five-star quarterback Dia Bell, shows his masterful quarterback management strategy. Known as “sandwich recruiting,” this approach expertly bridges the gap between elite talents, ensuring a seamless transition between quarterbacks.

Bell’s commitment aligns perfectly with this structure, offering a clear path to playing time once Manning’s tenure concludes.

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This planning ensures that by the time Bell arrives in 2026, Manning will likely be a fourth-year senior or will have moved to the NFL, minimizing competition and maximizing Bell’s development opportunities.

By securing Bell, Sarkisian ensures that Texas remains a powerhouse, seamlessly hopping from one star quarterback to the next. This method not only maintains a high level of play but will also help to attract top-tier talent.

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