Despite a disappointing run in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, Georgia football continues to secure key victories on the recruiting trail. The Bulldogs added another high-profile commitment on Thursday, edging out Alabama and reigning national champion Ohio State to land four-star safety Zech Fort.
According to Hayes Fawcett of On3.com, Fort had the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide among his final choices, with Notre Dame this year’s national championship runner-up also in the mix. However, in the end, Georgia emerged as his destination.
Where champions are made, Go Dawgs! Fort told Fawcett after announcing his decision.
Georgia’s Recruiting Momentum
Fort’s commitment comes at a crucial time for Georgia, as the program has faced some recent recruiting setbacks. Within the past 24 hours, former Ohio State defensive tackle Hero Kanu chose Texas over Georgia, and just two weeks ago, former five-star edge rusher Damon Wilson transferred to Missouri.
Despite these losses, the Bulldogs maintain a strong recruiting presence, especially with their established pipeline from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Fort, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound safety, follows in the footsteps of Ellis Robinson IV, Daylen Everette, and former Georgia star Nolan Smith, all of whom played at IMG before heading to Athens.
Building the 2026 Class
Under the leadership of two-time national championship-winning coach Kirby Smart, Georgia is aggressively assembling its 2026 recruiting class. Fort now becomes the highest-ranked commit for Georgia in the class, per 247Sports.
The Bulldogs had already secured two other four-star recruits:
Wide receiver Vance Spafford (Mission Viejo, California) Committed in November 2024
Tight end Lincoln Keyes (Maline, Michigan) A towering 6-foot-6 recruit who also committed in November
Currently, Georgia ranks No. 12 nationally in 2026 recruiting rankings, ahead of both Alabama and Ohio State. While these rankings are subject to change until the early signing period in December, the Bulldogs continue to strengthen their roster and keep the IMG Academy pipeline alive with Fort’s addition.
