Elite 2026 QB Dia Bell dives into Miami interest, why Hurricanes are standing out

Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage 2026 quarterback Dia Bell’s recruitment took off this summer, picking up offers from Miami, Florida, Penn State and others, but the Hurricanes have always had a special place for the 6-foot-1, 185-pound gunslinger.

Bell has become one of the hottest early names in the 2026 class despite the four major recruiting databases still yet to release their initial rankings and showed off his arm talent at a Hurricanes 7-on-7 competition in June. He attended camps at Miami, Notre Dame, BYU and Florida and attended Penn State’s end-of-summer recruiting cookout July 28.

Miami’s coaching staff isn’t yet able to directly call or text Bell due to NCAA rules, but he said he’s talked to the staff every few weeks since he received his offer from the Hurricanes in June. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and receivers coach Kevin Beard have led his recruitment.

“I can call them, but they can’t call me really, so whenever I get the chance I’ll just give them a call, keep in touch and just show them my love for the school,” Bell said. “(My interest is) very high. It’s always been a hometown team for me; a dream school. My grandfather worked there. My dad grew up around there. I know Miami pretty well, I think, but yeah, it’s always been a dream for me.”

Notre Dame, Penn State, West Virginia and BYU all told Bell they’d like to get him to their respective campuses for games this fall. Miami and BYU have stood out the most to the fast-rising prospect, although Notre Dame and Florida State have also increased their recruiting efforts. The Seminoles are yet to offer Bell.

“I love what they’re doing over there (in Tallahassee),” Bell said, additionally complimenting Miami and BYU. “My interest in schools is really equal among the ones that have offered me and the ones I’ve been to.”

Miami, BYU, Notre Dame and West Virginia have made the strongest early recruiting efforts, but he added having programs like Miami, Florida and Florida State within driving distance won’t make his decision any easier.

CaneSport’s Take

We saw Bell show off his arm talent at Miami’s 7-on-7 competition in late June, and while he still has plenty of room to improve and made some underclassman mistakes, his ceiling was immediately apparent. His smooth release, confidence and accuracy is elite among 2026 quarterbacks, and he’ll have control of Heritage’s offense as the presumed starting quarterback this season.

If his production reaches the potential we saw earlier this summer, the Hurricanes could have an elite quarterback target in their backyard.

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