Arch Manning officially stepped into the QB1 role for Texas after Quinn Ewers left for the NFL following the 2024 season. He spent two years patiently waiting behind Ewers, even as many speculated he might transfer. But he stayed, took his time, and developed for the coming season. Now he is considered a 2025 Heisman Trophy contender.
Texas’ new five-star commit Dia Bell might face the same position, sitting instead behind Manning if he chooses to return in 2026. However, Bell has no issue with that. He’s confident in Manning and showing no hurry to make a move right now.
Dia Bell Says He’s Ready to Learn Behind Arch Manning
Bell is ranked as the No. 1 quarterback and No. 4 overall prospect in ESPN’s updated Class of 2026 ranking. Given his rank, Bell is set to join the roster next year. But with Manning likely taking over the starting QB role in 2025, replacing him won’t be easy for Bell if Manning decides to stay for his redshirt junior season.
The 6-foot-3 quarterback understands that reality and isn’t concerned about earning the QB1 role right away. He is focused on learning from the team, even though he needs to sit behind Manning for a year.
“He’s waited his time; it’s his time now, and hopefully, he’s going to take full advantage of it,” Bell said of Manning on the “Cover 3 Podcast.”
“I’m going to be here waiting to watch it, and excited to watch … if I do get the opportunity to learn from him in a year, I’m going to take full advantage of it.”
“I have no problem sitting behind (Arch) at all because that means there’s another person I can pick their brain and learn how they go about learning the offense or studying for the next week.”
Dia Bell isn’t worried about waiting his turn. More from @EvanVieth (FREE)… pic.twitter.com/vDZKjCJwPy
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) July 1, 2025
With Ewers now in the NFL, Manning steps into the spotlight with big expectations. Meanwhile, Bell was named MVP of the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp in June and is preparing to arrive in Austin, Texas, in 2026. He already carries the quality of a seasoned leader.
“If he does decide to stay the second year, I will have no problem learning,” Bell added. “That just gives me more time to learn everything and make sure that, when it becomes my time, I’m as prepared as possible.”
This is a mature response that a team always wants to hear from a player. Bell said, “I have no problem sitting behind him at all because that means there’s another person I can pick their brain and learn how they go about learning the offense or studying for the next week.”
Bell is entering his senior year at American Heritage School in Plantation, Fla., as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. He committed to Texas in June 2024 and has remained firm in that pledge, even after receiving offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M.
Texas already has a clear quarterback lineup. This year, Manning is everyone’s favorite. If he goes to the NFL after 2025, Bell can lead the Longhorns the next year. Even if Manning stays, there is no problem because the five-star commit is ready to wait and learn.
