The Georgia Bulldogs continue to solidify their future secondary as yet another defensive back in their Class of 2026 has officially closed the door on being recruited by other programs. Four-star safety Zech Fort has become the latest Georgia commit to fully commit to his future in Athens, signaling that his recruitment is completely shut down.
This decision doesn’t come as much of a surprise to those who’ve been following Fort’s journey closely. From the moment he gave his verbal commitment to Georgia back in January, Fort has been a vocal supporter and ambassador for the Bulldogs. He’s played an active role in recruiting efforts for the program, especially in targeting other top-tier prospects. Among the recruits he’s been encouraging to join the Georgia family are Breck Kojolay, Preston Carey, and Zykie Helton—three players who are also generating considerable buzz within the 2026 cycle.
Fort’s efforts go beyond just casual endorsement. His close relationships with fellow recruits, particularly Preston Carey, give Georgia an advantage. The two are not only friends but also teammates at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida. IMG is widely known as a powerhouse in high school football, and its alumni have frequently made an impact at the collegiate level. Georgia fans will recognize names like Nolan Smith Jr. and Ellis Robinson IV, both of whom also came through IMG and went on to shine for the Bulldogs. This legacy creates a pipeline of talent from IMG to Georgia, and Fort seems poised to continue that tradition.
Despite being early in his high school career, Fort has already established himself as one of the nation’s premier safety prospects. According to recruiting rankings, he sits as the No. 11 safety in the country and holds an overall national ranking of No. 133 for the Class of 2026. These rankings reflect his playmaking abilities, athleticism, and football IQ, which have garnered attention from top college programs nationwide. Still, Fort has made it clear that Georgia is where he wants to be, and he’s taken another decisive step by declaring his recruitment closed.
Fort’s exposure on a national level has also given him the chance to influence others. He participated in two of the most high-profile high school football all-star events: the Polynesian Bowl and the Under Armour All-American Game. These events gather elite prospects from across the country, creating both competition and camaraderie. Fort’s presence at these showcases offered him the perfect opportunity to talk up Georgia’s program and plant seeds of interest among fellow top recruits. His recruitment shutdown may also serve to further inspire confidence among uncommitted players considering Georgia, knowing they’ll be joining a class filled with stability and loyalty.
Currently, the Bulldogs boast the top-ranked recruiting class in the nation for 2026, and much of that strength lies in the defensive secondary. Georgia’s coaches have made it a priority to stockpile talent in the defensive backfield, and so far, they’ve delivered. The 2026 class already includes seven commitments from defensive backs—an impressive haul at this stage in the recruiting cycle. Of those seven, five are ranked as four-star prospects, while the remaining two carry solid three-star ratings. This depth ensures a highly competitive environment in future Georgia practices and games, contributing to a defensive unit that could dominate for years to come.
Zech Fort now joins fellow defensive backs Justice Fitzpatrick and Jordan Smith in officially ending their recruitment, forming a trio of highly committed secondary players for Georgia. Like Fort, both Fitzpatrick and Smith have publicly stated that they are locked in with Georgia and will no longer entertain offers or visits from other schools. This trend of early and firm commitments speaks volumes about Georgia’s recruiting strategy and the relationships the coaching staff is building with these young athletes.
For Fort, shutting down his recruitment isn’t just about loyalty; it’s about focus. By removing distractions and eliminating the pressure of other offers, he can now concentrate fully on his development—both on the field and in the classroom—without the noise of college visits, phone calls, or speculation. It’s a mature decision that shows his commitment not just to the Georgia program, but to preparing himself to contribute the moment he steps on campus.
The Bulldogs’ emphasis on building a strong, cohesive defensive back unit is paying off, and players like Fort are key to that vision. His early commitment, consistent leadership, and now his decision to shut down recruitment show he’s not only a standout athlete but also a foundational leader for the future of Georgia’s defense.
As the recruiting cycle for 2026 continues to evolve, Georgia fans should feel encouraged by the level of talent and character they’re seeing from players like Zech Fort. The Bulldogs are not just assembling one of the most talented groups in the country—they’re also building a culture of commitment and unity that could carry them to even greater success in the coming seasons. With Fort’s recruitment now officially closed, all eyes will be on how he continues to develop and who might join him next in what is shaping up to be a historically strong recruiting class.
