No. 2 QB in 2026 opens up on growing relationship with Penn State football

Penn State football will have a flurry of visitors on campus over the coming weeks. But one of the top prospects set to make the trip to Happy Valley is Dia Bell, the No. 2 overall QB in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Recently, the four-star quarterback spoke with recruiting expert Chad Simmons about his correspondence with several schools—including his growing relationship with the Nittany Lions—and his recruiting timeline.

Top 2026 QB: Relationship with Penn State football has “grown and grown”

We may still be a long way away from National Signing Day for the 2026 recruiting cycle, but American Heritage (FL) QB Dia Bell has already established himself as one of the names to know in the class. Bell, the son of 12-year NBA veteran Raja Bell, threw for over 1,900 yards and 20 touchdowns as a sophomore. The four-star is a top 30 prospect, according to Rivals, and a top 50 recruit per On3.

The No. 2 QB in On3’s 2026 recruiting rankings has a busy spring ahead of him. Dia Bell already has eight visits planned for March and early April, including one with Penn State football on March 22-23. This week, Bell spoke with On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons about his relationships with several programs, including the Nittany Lions.

“Since it’s farther away from Florida and Miami, I make sure I contact them frequently over the phone, figure out what’s going on, and keep building that relationship with them,” Bell said. “Over time, it’s just grown and grown.”

Dia Bell was on campus twice last year, including an unofficial visit for the Indiana game in October. According to Bell, his relationship with the Nittany Lions has continued to blossom over the winter despite some moving parts on the Penn State football staff.

“I talk to [Andy] Kotelnicki, coach [Danny] O’Brien, and coach [James] Franklin, as well,” Bell stated.

While he’s up north visiting Penn State, Dia Bell will visit Pitt on March 21 and West Virginia on March 25. He also has visits scheduled with Miami, LSU, Texas, Auburn, and North Carolina.

When does Dia Bell plan to commit?

Dia Bell is already one of the most important players to watch in the early stages of the 2026 recruiting cycle. Penn State football is in a strong position among the early contenders, but these spring visits will be critical in the QB’s recruitment moving forward.

“I feel like they’re really important,” Bell told Simmons about his scheduled trips. “With these visits at the back end of my sophomore year, it’s going to be very intentional what I’m looking at with these schools. What I’m looking at with these schools is how they coach their quarterbacks, how they go about preparing them for games on Saturdays, and ultimately, how they prepare them for the NFL.”

Unlike some prospects, Bell doesn’t have a set timeline for a commitment. The No. 2 QB in 2026 could even come off the board as early as this spring.

“These visits are definitely going to play a big role in where I’m going to pick to go to school,” Bell expressed. “On a visit — if it happens — who knows? It could happen on one of my visits coming up. It’s ultimately a gut feeling.”

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