Nevada's 2019 football season was a significant milestone, marked by the Wolf Pack's impressive victory over Fresno State. At the helm was third-year head coach Jay Norvell, whose leadership was critical for the team's success. One of the key players who emerged during this time was Tory Horton, whose journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Horton's football career caught the attention of many when he made a significant play—a single catch for 54 yards—during a CIF-Central Section playoff game attended by Eric Scott. This performance earned Horton his first FBS scholarship offer from Nevada. At that point, the young athlete had been rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports since February 2019 and had only received collegiate opportunities from Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado.
Horton was more than just a promising name on the recruiting boards. He was a standout member of No Zone, a talented 7-on-7 team that boasted future Division I receivers like Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. Reflecting on the talent pool, Horton’s 7-on-7 coach, Mike Ware, remarked, "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level."
Nevada proved to be the starting point for Horton, but his football journey took a pivotal turn when Jay Norvell, who had noticed Horton's potential early on, transitioned to Colorado State in 2022 and brought Horton along with him. This move opened a new chapter in Horton’s career. At Colorado State, Horton made an immediate impact, catching 71 passes for an impressive 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2022 season. Not resting on his laurels, Horton continued to excel in the 2023 season, recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and another eight touchdowns.
Despite his growing accolades and the lure of declaring for the NFL Draft or transferring via the portal, Horton chose loyalty over immediate professional ambitions. As Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, aptly put it, "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family." Horton decided to return to Colorado State for one final season, and his commitment speaks volumes about his character and determination to leave an indelible mark at the collegiate level.
Part of what makes Horton’s story so compelling is his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. He showcased his electrifying playmaking skills with a spectacular 78-yard punt return for a touchdown, accompanied by a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him last week. As head coach Jay Norvell explained, "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week."
The upcoming season holds significant promise and historical context for Horton and Colorado State. For the first time since 1996, Colorado State is set to host Colorado, a matchup that adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding Horton’s final collegiate season. Last year’s overtime thriller against Colorado saw Horton achieve a career-high with 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer in high-stakes games.
Horton's contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning him a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection. As he prepares for his final season, the combination of past performances and future potential makes Tory Horton a player to watch closely. His journey from a promising high school athlete to a standout collegiate receiver exemplifies dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment. And as the anticipation builds for what will undoubtedly be a milestone season, all eyes will be focused on Horton as he aims to lead Colorado State to new heights.