Nevada to Colorado State: The Rise of Tory Horton
In the world of college football, the journey of an athlete often mirrors a finely spun narrative, teeming with loyalty, talent, and perseverance. One such story is that of Tory Horton, whose path has taken him from the high school fields of California to becoming a standout player for Colorado State, with steps along the way that underscore his dedication and potential.
During Nevada's 2019 football season, under the guidance of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, the Wolf Pack secured a notable victory against Fresno State. It was in this period that a promising young receiver started to come into view. At the time, Horton had made an impression even before setting foot on a college campus. He was a three-star prospect on 247Sports since February 2019 and had caught the eye of several scouts, including those from Nevada. Playing under the spotlight in a CIF-Central Section playoff game, Horton’s performance—with one catch for 54 yards—was enough to earn the attention of Nevada and subsequently, his first scholarship offer from an FBS program.
Before getting the offer from Nevada, Horton's collegiate opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools like Montana and Northern Colorado. His talents, however, were never in doubt. As a member of the No Zone 7-on-7 team, Horton rubbed shoulders with future Division I receivers such as Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. Speaking about the talent in No Zone, Horton’s Fresno-based 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."
When Jay Norvell was hired by Colorado State in 2022, he brought Horton with him, acknowledging the young receiver's potential to make an impact. Horton did not disappoint. In his debut season with the Rams, he caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. This stellar performance was a precursor to an even more impressive 2023 season, where Horton recorded 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite opportunities to enter the NFL Draft or transfer via the portal, Horton chose to remain at Colorado State, reflecting on his loyalty and dedication to the team. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," noted Chad Savage, a graduate assistant.
Horton's final campaign promises to be a memorable one. Notably, Colorado State is set to host Colorado for the first time since 1996, a game that adds an extra layer of anticipation. Although he suffered an injury that sidelined him last week, Horton had an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and recorded a team-high 65 yards receiving before leaving the field. Head coach Jay Norvell shared an update on his condition, "Tory is sore, but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week."
Throughout his tenure at Colorado State, Horton has earned two All-Mountain West first-team selections, solidifying his place as one of the conference's premier talents. His remarkable performance in last year’s overtime loss to Colorado, where he achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, encapsulates the kind of game-changing abilities he brings to the field.
As Horton enters his final season at Colorado State, he carries the hopes and aspirations of his team and showcases the resilience that has defined his career. His decision to stay, rather than jump to the NFL or another program, speaks volumes about his character—qualities that will serve him well both on and off the field.
In Horton, Colorado State not only has a remarkable athlete but also a testament to where hard work, loyalty, and the right opportunities can take you. As the Rams gear up for the 2023 season, all eyes will be on Horton, ready to watch one final chapter of his college journey unfold.