Nevada's football team had a memorable 2019 season under the leadership of third-year head coach Jay Norvell. One of the standout moments was their victory over Fresno State, setting the stage for what would be a significant period for both the team and aspiring talents like Tory Horton.
Horton's journey to prominence began in high school, where he caught the attention of college scouts with his impressive performance during a CIF-Central Section playoff game. Eric Scott noticed him, and Nevada extended Horton his first FBS scholarship offer. This was a significant milestone for Horton, a three-star prospect on 247Sports since February 2019, whose early college opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado.
Horton was part of a highly skilled 7-on-7 team known as No Zone, which included future Division I receivers such as Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, remarked, "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level."
When Jay Norvell was hired to lead Colorado State in 2022, he brought Horton along. Horton quickly made his mark, catching 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns during the 2022 season. His stellar performance continued in the 2023 season, with 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns.
Horton’s loyalty to his team and coach has been noteworthy. Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, highlighted this aspect, saying, "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family." Indeed, Horton's decision to stay at Colorado State for one more season, despite opportunities to declare for the NFL Draft or transfer via the portal, speaks volumes about his commitment.
Looking ahead, one of the marquee matchups for Horton and Colorado State will be hosting Colorado for the first time since 1996. Horton has shown his versatility and play-making ability, demonstrated by an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him last week. Despite the setback, Norvell remains optimistic about Horton’s availability, stating, "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week."
Horton is not only a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection but also a player who consistently steps up in big moments. He recorded a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in last year’s overtime loss to Colorado, highlighting his importance to the team.
As Horton prepares for his final season at Colorado State, the anticipation and excitement around his performance continue to build. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, knowing that Horton's dedication and talent will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the program.