“Since coach Nick Saban retired, I haven’t lost a skipped a beat with Alabama” - 4-star safety Zech Fort highlights interest at Crimson Tide

Four-star safety from IMG Academy Zech Fort has received a lot of interest from multiple top schools in the country. However, the 5-foot-10 defenseman has developed a great relationship with the Alabama Crimson Tide and is leaning towards committing to the prestigious program.

Fort is one of the best safeties in his class and has already received offers from more than 25 top schools nationwide. The California native revealed his top 13 schools on Friday, which included the likes of Alabama, Florida State and Michigan, among others.

The four-star safety spoke about his relationship with the Crimson Tide in an interview with Touchdown Alabama.

"I’ll say my relationship with new staff at Alabama is great," Fort said. "Our relationship is constantly growing. I’m talking to coach (Colin) Hitschler, coach Kevin Green. My relationship with Alabama is constantly growing. I feel like since coach Nick Saban retired, I haven’t lost a beat or skipped a beat with Alabama."

Zech Fort was first approached with an offer by Alabama in January 2023, when Nick Saban was still at the program's helm. The safety is ranked No. 100 nationally and is the 10th-best safety in the nation, according to On3.

Notre Dame in the mix to land coveted four-star safety Zech Fort

Zech Fort is one of the most sought-after defensemen from the class of 2026. The four-star recruit has been on the radar of a lot of top schools, including Notre Dame.

The Indiana-based school historically hasn't had much success recruiting from the famed IMG Academy. However, they would like to change that in the upcoming classes. Fort might open the floodgates for Notre Dame to sign elite talent from the academy.

He spoke about Notre Dame and the program's coaching staff.

"Notre Dame’s campus really stands out," Fort said, as per the Irish Breakdown. "They just have so many things that you don’t see at any other school like the Grotto, the Basilica, it was all so cool. Just seeing how Coach (Marcus) Freeman, Coach (Al) Golden and Coach (Mike) Mickens view the game is great."

Fort is the 18th-best recruit from the state of Florida, per On3.