2026 QB Dia Bell Impressed with Irish Invasion, Planning Return to Notre Dame

By Matt Freeman

June 6, 2023

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2026 American Heritage (Fla.) quarterback Dia Bell‍ made his third trip in the last year to Notre Dame over the weekend for Irish Invasion and it was a similar trip to his past two visits, which is a positive for the Irish.

“It was great,” Bell told ISD. “It’s always to get up there to throw and it was especially great to get a vibe from the coaches since they switched at my position. The vibe is the same and I love it up there.”

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder has quickly come to appreciate the culture around Notre Dame and the way the program stresses life on and off the field.

“I love the history of the program, the campus and the academics,” stated Bell. “In our family, academics is really huge. My parents don’t let me do anything without my grades being right, so I take that seriously and I can tell Notre Dame does too. That’s really a big plus for them and me as I look forward in my recruitment.

“The campus is great. I love the scenery and it’s really peaceful.”

This trip also allowed Bell to work with new quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli for the first time and the two connected well over the weekend.

“He’s a great guy from what I have seen so far,” Bell explained. “I can’t wait to keep working with him every time I come back up there and build a relationship with him. It was a great vibe during the workout and he definitely knows what he’s doing. He told me he’s been at Cincinnati the last few years and I can’t wait to work with him again.”

Bell will be busy this month as he plans to camp at Alabama, BYU, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, Utah and Vanderbilt, but his focus will be on leading his American Heritage squad this summer as they prepare for a tough schedule, which includes playing national powerhouse St. John’s College.

“I think we’re going to be really good this year,” said Bell. “We’re going to miss 27 seniors, but we’ve filled in those spots pretty well with the young guys. My anticipation is we’re going to look great. I can’t wait to gel this better in the fall before our first game.”

From an individual standpoint, Bell is looking forward to showing his talents against a tough schedule to put his name on the map.

“I just get to show what I’ve been ready to show these past few years,” explained Bell. “It’s time to showcase that against these teams in South Florida and one from Maryland. I want to go out there and show people they’ve been missing out on the last few years.”

As for a return visit to Notre Dame, Bell expects to be back on campus this fall for a primetime matchup.

“Definitely,” stated Bell. “I think they mentioned coming back for the Ohio State or USC game. I’m very excited to come up to one of those games. I love the atmosphere up there. The sea of green is always beautiful to see. I can’t wait for that.”

And Notre Dame might want to push for Bell to come to both games as he was at the Clemson game last fall and experienced the special night.

“That was one moment to remember,” said Bell.