4-star QB Dia Bell: UF wants to ‘make me a Gator’

Dia Bell had a blast watching Florida beat Tennessee at The Swamp on Saturday, but the 4-star 2026 quarterback from Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage said the highlight of the day came after the game.

“It was the locker room speech and locker room atmosphere,” Bell said. “I liked the speech from Billy Napier. Obviously, he complimented his guys on the win but he kept it humble and made sure that he made a point they still have work to do to become a great team. He kept making sure of that point — to keep humble and keep going to work.”

That’s wasn’t Bell’s first trip to Gainesville. Or even his first game there.

But this experience stood out.

“Their (atmosphere) is probably close to the top,” Bell told Gators Online. “The Note Dame game against Clemson last year was good, too. I’d say it was at the top with being consistently loud — the fans (at The Swamp) were so involved.”

Bell, who claims a Gators offer, also enjoyed the action on the field. And, the result, a 29-16 Gators win.

“That was big time,” he said. “They beat a great team. It was fantastic.”

 Bell, 16, attended the game with his father and aunt.

“He definitely thought it was a little off the chain,” Bell said. “He was impressed with what he saw.”

Dia Bell has visited the Gators multiple times

According to Bell, who is listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, he has taken part in multiple camps at Florida and now attended two games there. Overall, the Gators have made a good impression. Bell is particularly high on Florida coach Billy Napier and offensive analyst Ryan O’Hara.

“They’re great guys, great coaches,” Bell said. “They definitely know what they’re doing. Look at Anthony Richardson and where he’s at now. And Graham Mertz played fantastic (Saturday). I think they’re going to be great in these upcoming years. Their message to me is to keep growing as a person and player. They definitely let me know they want to keep me home and make me a Gator.”

Meanwhile, Bell said he has strong interest in Florida.

“Definitely. It’s definitely high,” Bell said. “I’m keeping my options open since I’m so young in this process but the stuff they produce every time I’m up there and the relationships built with the coaches keep them high on my list.”

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