Top 100 DB Zech Fort talks Michigan, offseason staff changes

Michigan was considered an early player in the recruitment of Top 100 2026 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy defensive back Zech Fort before a bit of a chaotic offseason in Ann Arbor.

Fort, who has already visited Michigan three times, was surprised by all the changes on the defensive side of the ball. However, he remains interested in the Wolverines.

“Michigan is definitely still high in my recruitment,” Fort said. “I don’t have any recent news with them. I’m not sure what to think about the staff changes yet. I had good relationships with Coach (Jay) Harbaugh and Coach Clink (Steve Clinkscale). Seeing them leave was tough. But I really love Michigan. I’m looking forward to seeing how my relationships go with them now.”

Michigan, of course, has a new head coach in Sherrone Moore, who previously served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.

Fort is confident Moore will continue to help Michigan sustain success on the field.

“I know Coach Moore is going to do great things with the program,” Fort said. “I think he’s going to be very successful. He stepped up when Coach (Jim) Harbaugh wasn’t there, and they won games. They wouldn’t have won the national championship without Coach Moore.”

Fort was in attendance for Michigan’s win over rival Ohio State last season and was impressed with the Wolverines’ eventual run to the national championship.

“Watching them win the natty was great,” Fort said. “They had everything stacked against them, and they pushed through all of that as a team. That was amazing to me. Seeing the program bounce back was big for me. The culture and brotherhood they have there is just different.”

Fort is looking to get back to Michigan soon and hopes to meet with new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and new secondary coach LaMar Morgan.

“I definitely want to get back to Michigan for another visit,” Fort said. “I’ve been there a few times already, so the main thing for me is seeing what my relationship will be like with the new staff. I just want to get to know the coaches and see how they coach.”

Along with Michigan, Fort holds offers from Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC and others.

At 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, Fort is ranked as the No. 7 safety and No. 62 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking.

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