Nevada's football team had a remarkable 2019 season under the guidance of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, highlighted by their decisive victory over Fresno State. That same year marked a pivotal moment for Tory Horton, a promising prospect from Fresno, who captured the attention of the Nevada coaching staff.
During a CIF-Central Section playoff game, Eric Scott, a recruiter for Nevada, witnessed Horton's potential firsthand. Horton recorded a stunning 54-yard catch, an accomplishment that eventually led to Nevada extending a scholarship offer—his first from an FBS program. Before this offer, Horton's collegiate prospects were limited to Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado.
Horton's rise as a football player can be traced back to his time with No Zone, a talented 7-on-7 team. Mike Ware, Horton's 7-on-7 coach, noted, "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level." Indeed, Horton was part of a group that included future Division I stars like Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena.
After being classified as a three-star prospect by 247Sports in February 2019, Horton eventually followed Norvell to Colorado State when the coach took a new position in 2022. This move proved to be beneficial for Horton, who caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns in his debut season at Colorado State.
The subsequent season saw Horton continue his impressive form, racking up 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and matching his previous season's touchdown tally of eight. His consistent performance earned him the accolade of a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection.
Despite opportunities to either declare for the NFL Draft or transfer via the portal, Horton opted to return to Colorado State for one final season. Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, praised Horton’s decision stating, "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family."
This season, expectations are high for Horton as he aims to leave an indelible mark on his college football career. Colorado State will host Colorado for the first time since 1996, and Horton’s contributions will be pivotal. He provided an electrifying moment with a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and also recorded a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him last week. On Horton's condition, Colorado State’s head coach Norvell mentioned, "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's impact on the field has been profound, not only delivering key performances but also setting an example with his dedication and loyalty. His career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in last year’s overtime loss to Colorado underscores his capability to perform on the big stage.
As Horton gears up for his final season at Colorado State, fans and coaches alike will be eager to see how his journey unfolds. Given his track record and the support he has garnered from his mentors and teammates, Horton's final chapter in college football promises to be as compelling as his rise to prominence.