Columbus, OH – Ohio State’s recruiting struggles continue as head coach Ryan Day openly criticized Athletic Director Ross Bjork following the Buckeyes’ failure to secure 2026 four-star safety Zech Fort.
According to On3 Sports insider Hayes Fawcett, Fort, a highly coveted defensive back, has committed to the Georgia Bulldogs over Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Alabama. The loss of Fort is a significant setback for the Buckeyes, who had aggressively pursued him for months.
In a short but decisive message, Fort announced his commitment:
“Where champions are made, Go Dawgs!”
Day’s Frustration with Bjork Boils Over
Insiders close to the Buckeyes’ program report that Day is livid over the athletic department’s handling of Fort’s recruitment. The head coach reportedly called out Bjork and his team for a lack of urgency and strategic execution in closing the deal.
“This program isn’t going to recruit itself anymore,” Day was overheard saying to his staff. “We’re letting these elite guys slip away while Georgia and Alabama are sealing the deal. That has to change.”
Day’s frustrations have been brewing for months, with Ohio State losing several key recruiting battles. While the Buckeyes still maintain a strong reputation, the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and aggressive SEC recruiting tactics have made it harder to secure top-tier talent.
What Went Wrong for Ohio State?
Multiple sources point to a few key reasons why Ohio State lost out on Zech Fort
1. NIL Deal Discrepancies – Georgia’s well-established NIL program reportedly offered Fort a more competitive financial package, making the Bulldogs an attractive option.
2. Defensive Development and NFL Pathway – Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has consistently produced first-round defensive backs. The promise of an NFL pipeline likely played a role in Fort’s decision.
3. Lack of Aggression in Recruiting – While Ohio State was among Fort’s top choices early on, Georgia’s late recruiting push—coupled with Alabama’s and Notre Dame’s efforts—eclipsed what the Buckeyes had put on the table.
The Fallout: Pressure Mounts on Bjork and Day
This latest recruiting miss has amplified scrutiny on Ross Bjork, who took over as Ohio State’s Athletic Director in 2024. While Bjork has a strong administrative track record, his handling of football recruiting has raised concerns among fans and boosters.
Meanwhile, Ryan Day, who has led the Buckeyes to multiple College Football Playoff appearances, is feeling the heat to keep Ohio State in national championship contention. If the Buckeyes continue to miss out on elite recruits, it could widen the gap between them and SEC powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama.
With National Signing Day still months away, Ohio State has time to rebound, but the pressure is on. If Day and Bjork don’t adapt to the new recruiting landscape, the Buckeyes risk falling further behind in the race for a national title.
