Zech Fort has only been committed to the Georgia Bulldogs for a month, but that hasn’t stopped other top programs from making a strong push to flip him. The Notre Dame football team is among the leading contenders, along with several other powerhouse programs, hoping to sway the highly touted defensive back away from the SEC giants.
Fort, a four-star recruit, ranks No. 127 nationally in the 2026 class, No. 10 among safeties, and No. 19 in Florida, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He currently plays for IMG Academy in Long Beach, California, and has drawn significant interest from elite programs across the country.
Despite his verbal commitment to Georgia, the 2026 standout appears to be reconsidering his decision, opening the door for other schools to make their case. Notre Dame is among the programs seizing the opportunity, working diligently to position itself as a top contender should Fort decide to reopen his recruitment.
Notre Dame Football Making a Strong Push to Flip Zech Fort
Fort recently acknowledged that his recruitment is far from over, admitting that several programs have intensified their efforts since his commitment to the Bulldogs.
“So many schools are recruiting me even harder now than they were before I committed,” Fort told On3, per Sports Illustrated. “Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Miami, Florida, USC, and some others are recruiting me hard right now.”
While Fort still feels confident about his commitment to Georgia, his remarks suggest that he’s keeping an open mind.
“A lot of schools are coming hard and haven’t stopped talking to me, so I am just enjoying the process,” he added. “I still feel good about Georgia.”
Although the Bulldogs remain the favorite, Notre Dame and the other programs in pursuit are hoping to capitalize on any uncertainty. The key for the Fighting Irish will be getting Fort on campus for a visit, as in-person interactions with the coaching staff and experiencing the program firsthand could play a significant role in his final decision.
With the 2026 recruiting cycle still far from complete, Fort’s situation remains fluid. If Notre Dame can continue to build a strong relationship with him, the Irish could position themselves as a legitimate contender to flip the talented safety before National Signing Day.
