Texas QB commit inks major NIL deal with Gatorade

Dia Bell, the five-star quarterback and Texas Longhorns commit has signed a major NIL deal with Gatorade, adding to a growing endorsement portfolio before his senior year even kicks off. The deal comes shortly after Bell was named the 2024 Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, a title earned by only the most elite high school athletes. His numbers justify the hype: 2,597 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in a single season at Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage.

Gatorade has a long-standing tradition of partnering with athletes on the rise, and Bell fits that mold perfectly. He now joins fellow Florida standout DJ Lagway as the only recent prep football players in the state to both win the Gatorade Player of the Year award and sign with the sports drink giant. This move also underscores Gatorade’s continued push into the NIL space, targeting top-tier talent at earlier stages of their careers. Bell’s leadership, arm talent, and marketability make him a smart investment for brands aiming to connect with Gen Z sports fans.

Building a High School NIL Powerhouse

With a current On3 NIL Valuation of $927,000, Bell ranks No. 4 nationally among high school football players. This new partnership with Gatorade follows his initial NIL deal with Leaf Trading Cards and positions him as one of the most valuable amateur athletes in the country. He’s also a confirmed invitee to this summer’s Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles, where top quarterbacks solidify their national reputations. With Bell currently listed as the No. 4 overall player and No. 2 QB in the 2026 class, his rising profile is attracting not only college scouts—but corporate ones too.

Dia Bell isn’t just the future of Texas football—he’s the present of high school NIL. And with Gatorade now backing him, the spotlight is only going to get brighter.