The Rise of Tory Horton: From Nevada to Colorado State
In an era when college football can feel as transient as the morning fog, the story of Tory Horton stands out as a testament to loyalty and perseverance. From his early days in Fresno, California, to becoming a standout receiver at Colorado State, Horton has continuously defied the odds and showcased his commitment to both his craft and his teams.
Horton's journey began to take shape during the 2019 Nevada football season, where the Wolf Pack, under the guidance of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, enjoyed a notable victory over Fresno State. That same season marked a turning point for Horton, a standout on his high school team, as he began to attract attention from collegiate programs.
It was at a CIF-Central Section playoff game that Eric Scott, then scouting for Nevada, noticed Horton. With a single electrifying catch for 54 yards, Horton left an indelible impression. Shortly after, Nevada extended him his first scholarship offer from an FBS program, a significant milestone for a three-star prospect who, until then, had only drawn interest from Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado.
Horton’s talent had been evident from his time with No Zone, a highly regarded 7-on-7 team that included future Division I receivers like 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," said Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach.
When Norvell made the move to Colorado State in 2022, Horton was one of the prized players he took with him. The transition marked the beginning of a new era for Horton, who quickly found his stride with the Rams. In his debut season at Colorado State, Horton caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns, establishing himself as a key offensive weapon. Not resting on his laurels, Horton followed that up with an even more impressive 2023 season, recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and another eight touchdowns.
Despite accumulating stats that would make him a viable candidate for the NFL Draft or a high-profile transfer, Horton chose to stay loyal to Colorado State for one final season. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," remarked Chad Savage, a graduate assistant familiar with Horton’s journey.
This season, Colorado State will host Colorado for the first time since 1996, a game filled with anticipation and historical significance. Horton has already made headlines with an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving in a recent game before being sidelined with an injury. Colorado State fans watched anxiously as their star player was evaluated, but Norvell offered a glimmer of hope. "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week," Norvell stated.
Horton's contributions to Colorado State extend beyond just numbers. He’s a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection and has delivered unforgettable performances, including a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in last year’s overtime loss to Colorado.
As Horton enters what is likely his final collegiate season, the anticipation surrounding his next move is palpable. Whether he continues to shatter records on the field or step into the limelight of professional football, his journey remains a remarkable narrative of dedication, talent, and loyalty.