Skip to main content
Join Now
Team Avatar
Texas

Dia Bell injury update: Texas QB seen with 'pretty noticeable limp' at Longhorns spring practice

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax04/18/26BarkleyTruax

Incoming five-star freshman quarterback Dia Bell was seen with a “pretty noticeable limp,” during warmups of Texas‘ spring practice during Fan Day, per OnTexasFootball’s CJ Vogel. The severity of his injury is unclear as of this report.

Bell was the No. 16 overall recruit in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. This includes being the No. 3 quarterback and top-ranked player from the state of Florida.

Practice began at 11 a.m. ET with fans able to enjoy time in and around Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium while their national championship hopeful Longhorns prepare for their final spring practice of the offseason. While it’s always ideal to avoid injuries along the way, however, they are inevitable in most cases.

Many fans were excited to see what Bell was looked like in person. He’s been getting extra reps alongside fellow QBs MJ Morris and KJ Lacey under center while Arch Manning recovers from injury.

“I think it’s important for KJ, Dia and MJ,” Sarkisian said earlier in spring practice. “They need these real team reps right now. They need to get these things. It’s working out really well for us. …It’s been great for KJ and Dia. Those guys are making tremendous strides, which is encouraging.” 

Texas, of course, is expected to be a player in the College Football Playoff this season with Manning under center. Manning will turn pro at the end of the upcoming season, leaving the Texas QB1 spot up for grabs moving forward.

Morris is a fifth-year senior, so unless Texas signs another blue-chipper from high school or lands someone from the portal — Bell could expect to be competing for first-team reps this time next year barring any setbacks.

For now, he’s focused on a battle for QB2 behind Manning. Following fan day, the next time fans will be able to see their Longhorns will be when Texas kicks off its 2026 regular season on Sept. 5 against Texas State.