Nevada's Transformation and Horton's Remarkable Journey:
The 2019 Nevada football season highlighted a significant moment in the team’s history, as they faced Fresno State and secured a memorable victory. At the helm was Jay Norvell, who was in his third year as head coach and quickly making a name for himself.
A key subplot in Norvell's tenure at Nevada was the emergence of wide receiver Tory Horton. Horton first appeared on the radar during a CIF-Central Section playoff game where he impressed Eric Scott with a standout 54-yard reception. Scott, seeing the potential, extended Horton his first scholarship offer from an FBS program, marking a pivotal point in the young athlete's career.
By February 2019, Horton had already been recognized as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, further solidifying his upward trajectory. He was also part of the talented 7-on-7 team known as No Zone, which included future Division I stars such as Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. His Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, Mike Ware, captured the sense of pride he felt for his proteges: "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level."
Before Nevada’s offer, Horton’s collegiate opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado, making the FBS offer from Nevada a game-changer for his career. As fate would have it, this offer was only the beginning. When Norvell transitioned to Colorado State in 2022, he brought Horton with him, a testament to their strong working relationship.
At Colorado State, Horton’s career flourished. In the 2022 season, he caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. His success continued into the 2023 season, where he recorded 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. Horton's contributions on the field were instrumental in his team’s performance, and his decision to return to Colorado State for one final season, rather than declaring for the NFL Draft or transferring, underscored his loyalty and dedication. As Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, noted, "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family."
Horton's presence on the field has consistently electrified fans and shaped the outcome of critical games. During one memorable game, he delivered an 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and led his team with 65 receiving yards. Despite an injury sidelining him later in the game, Coach Norvell expressed optimism: "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week."
Over his college career, Horton has not only proven himself as a reliable receiver but also as a clutch player in crucial moments. He is a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection and achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in an overtime loss to Colorado last season. His decision to remain with Colorado State has brought stability and excitement as the team looks forward to hosting Colorado for the first time since 1996.
With one final season ahead, Horton continues to be a pivotal player for Colorado State. His journey from a relatively unknown high school prospect to a celebrated college athlete exemplifies hard work, resilience, and the impact of strategic mentorship. The future holds many possibilities for Horton, but one thing remains certain: his story is already one of remarkable achievement and unwavering loyalty.