Nevada to Colorado State: The Journey of Tory Horton
Horton’s Early Promise
Nevada's 2019 football season held many memorable moments, one of which was their victory over Fresno State. Leading the team was Jay Norvell, then in his third year as head coach. Among the array of talent blossoming on the horizon was Tory Horton, whose journey has since captivated college football enthusiasts.
Tory Horton made an early impression during a CIF-Central Section playoff game attended by Eric Scott, where he hauled in a remarkable catch for 54 yards. His performance caught the eye of Nevada’s scouts, leading to Horton receiving his first FBS scholarship offer. Before this breakthrough, Horton’s collegiate opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools, Montana and Northern Colorado.
Despite these modest beginnings, Horton's skills on the field earned him a three-star prospect rating on 247Sports as early as February 2019. A pivotal part of his development came from playing on No Zone, a talented 7-on-7 team featuring future Division I receivers such as Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level," noted Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach.
Forging a Path With Nevada
At Nevada, Horton’s potential began to materialize under Jay Norvell’s guidance. However, Norvell's departure to Colorado State in 2022 marked a significant transition. Loyalty played a key role in Horton’s decision to follow Norvell to Colorado State. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," said Chad Savage, a graduate assistant.
Stellar Performances at Colorado State
Horton’s transfer proved fruitful as he quickly became a cornerstone of Colorado State’s offense. His 2022 season was nothing short of spectacular, with 71 receptions for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. He continued to elevate his game in the 2023 season, catching 96 passes for 1,136 yards and matching his touchdown tally of eight from the previous year. His consistent performance earned him the distinction of a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection.
One of Horton’s standout moments came during a dramatic 78-yard punt return for a touchdown, preceding an injury that sidelined him temporarily. Jay Norvell reflected on his status, "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week."
An Awaited Rivalry and Personal Milestones
As Horton gears up for one final season with Colorado State, anticipation brews for the matchup against Colorado, the first meeting since 1996. Horton’s resolve was evident in the previous year’s overtime clash with Colorado, where he achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. His decision to return for another season, rather than declare for the NFL Draft or enter the transfer portal, underscores his commitment and desire to conclude his college career on a high note.
The journey from a relatively unknown prospect at Nevada to a prominent player at Colorado State is a testament to Horton's resilience and work ethic. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Horton to see if he can once again electrify the field and lead Colorado State to victory.
The future looks bright for Tory Horton as he continues to demonstrate the talent and determination that first caught the attention of Nevada scouts and has since captivated college football fans and analysts alike.