[4] Fortner played in 11 of Kentucky's 13 games during his redshirt sophomore season.

Fortner decided to utilize the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played in the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic and return to Kentucky for a sixth season.

[6] He moved to center during fall training camp and was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference by the league's coaches.

[7][8] Fortner graduated in May 2022 with three degrees: Bachelor's, master's in mechanical engineering, and MBA.

[9] Fortner was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round, 65th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft.