‘Come Be a Dawg’: Georgia Commit Zech Fort Turning Up the Heat on IMG Teammate and 5-Star WR Larry Moon

Zech Fort is not only committed to the University of Georgia—he’s invested. The 2026 four-star safety from IMG Academy made headlines when he pledged his future to Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs, and now he’s doing everything in his power to bring some elite company with him to Athens.

Fort’s latest recruiting pitch isn’t directed at just any recruit. It’s aimed squarely at one of the biggest names in the 2026 cycle—five-star wide receiver Larry Moon, Fort’s own teammate at IMG Academy. The two have already built chemistry on and off the field, and Fort is pulling no punches in trying to get Moon to join him in red and black.

“Come be a Dawg,” Fort told reporters with a grin at a recent 7-on-7 tournament. “It’s different in Athens. You feel it the minute you step on campus. I’m just trying to help Larry see what I see—it’s home.”

Moon, who ranks among the top five overall prospects in the 2026 class according to most recruiting services, has been relatively quiet about his recruitment, but the Georgia buzz has been growing steadily. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound playmaker has offers from every blue blood program imaginable: Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Texas, Oregon, and yes—Georgia.

But what Fort brings to the table is a unique type of influence. He’s not just a peer or a fan—he’s Moon’s teammate. They go to the same practices. They sit in the same locker room. They compete in drills every day. That kind of bond makes Fort’s pitch more than a hashtag or a recruiting graphic. It’s personal.

“I’ve seen what Larry can do up close. I have to guard him every day,” Fort said. “He’s the best I’ve ever gone up against. Why not keep that going in college? Let’s push each other at the next level too.”

It’s that kind of confidence—and recruiting hustle—that Georgia fans love to see from their commits. And Fort’s passion isn’t going unnoticed.

“Zech’s been vocal since Day 1,” one Georgia staffer said. “You love seeing that. He’s turning into a leader, and leaders recruit. That’s part of the culture here. You don’t just commit to Georgia—you help build Georgia.”

Kirby Smart has long emphasized peer recruiting as one of the strongest tools in his arsenal. It’s one thing when a coach calls. It’s another when your best friend, roommate, or teammate tells you, “Let’s go win a natty together.” Georgia’s 2026 class, already surging up the rankings, has the potential to be something special, and Moon could be the crown jewel.

It’s easy to see why Fort is going all out. Moon is a generational talent. With a rare blend of size, speed, and agility, he’s drawn comparisons to Julio Jones and George Pickens. Coaches rave about his route-running polish, ball-tracking ability, and explosive acceleration. In short, Moon is a game-changer.

“He’s got that dawg in him already,” Fort said with a laugh. “Might as well make it official.”

Moon has visited several top programs this summer, including stops at Ohio State, Texas, and USC. But his recent trip to Athens—his second unofficial visit—caught the attention of recruiting insiders. Sources close to Moon say the visit “blew him away,” particularly the energy around the program, the family atmosphere, and the opportunity to be developed into an NFL-ready receiver.

And then there’s the Fort factor.

“I’m not gonna lie, Zech is in my ear all the time,” Moon told 247Sports after a June camp. “He’s pushing Georgia hard. I respect it. He’s a great teammate and a good dude. He makes a strong case.”

For Georgia, landing Moon would be a monumental win in a loaded 2026 cycle. The Bulldogs already have top commitments from offensive lineman Marcus Bentley, quarterback Ryland James, and, of course, Fort anchoring the defense. Adding Moon would give UGA a true five-star alpha receiver—a position group the staff has been looking to boost with elite perimeter talent.

Fort, who transferred to IMG from Georgia’s Colquitt County High School before his junior season, has taken the “lead recruiter” role seriously. He’s active on social media, tagging Moon in “Go Dawgs” posts, creating edits, and hyping up the class in comment sections. He even wore a “Moon to Athens” wristband during a recent 7-on-7 event in Bradenton.

“It’s all love,” Fort said. “I just want what’s best for my brother—and I truly believe Georgia is that. We’re building something scary. Why not be part of history?”

Fort’s efforts mirror a recent trend in Georgia recruiting, where committed players become among the most powerful voices in convincing elite targets to follow suit. In previous classes, guys like Dylan Raiola, Malaki Starks, and Bear Alexander all became strong recruiters once they were locked in with the Dawgs. Fort is following in that tradition, and Georgia’s staff couldn’t be happier.

“Zech has the right mindset,” a source in Georgia’s recruiting department shared. “He understands that this is a brotherhood. He’s not just coming to play football—he’s coming to win championships with his guys.”

Moon, meanwhile, is expected to narrow his list of top schools later this fall, with a commitment potentially coming during the All-American Bowl in early January. Georgia is widely expected to make the cut.

Still, Fort isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“Until he says yes,” Fort said, “I’m going to keep working him. I told him—you belong with us. Simple as that.”

The ripple effects of a Moon commitment would be felt far beyond Athens. It would send a message to other elite prospects that Georgia remains not just a top destination—but the destination. And it would further strengthen the 2026 group, which some analysts already believe could challenge for the No. 1 class in the nation.

For now, all eyes are on Moon. But thanks to Fort, Georgia is in a strong position—and gaining momentum.

As the summer rolls on and visits wind down, one thing is clear: Fort isn’t backing off. He’s doubling down.

“Come be a Dawg,” he said again, walking off the field after a morning workout. “It’s time.”