A Stellar Journey: Tory Horton's Rise to Prominence in College Football
Nevada's 2019 football season marked a memorable chapter in college football history, particularly for the player who would emerge as one of its brightest stars—Tory Horton. Under the mentorship of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, Nevada faced Fresno State and emerged victorious. This victory not only showcased Nevada’s prowess but also set the stage for Horton's impressive rise in collegiate football.
The seeds of Horton's journey were sown by receivers coach Eric Scott and graduate assistant Chad Savage. Both played pivotal roles in identifying and nurturing his talent early on. Scott, dedicated to scouting promising talents, attended a CIF-Central Section playoff game to watch Horton in action, where the young receiver managed just one catch for 54 yards. Despite his modest performance that day, Scott saw something special and Nevada extended a scholarship offer to Horton—his first from an FBS program.
At the time, Horton had been a three-star prospect on 247Sports since February 2019, but his potential had largely gone unnoticed by other FBS programs. His path to recognition was not typical. He was part of a talented 7-on-7 team called No Zone, coalescing with 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.
Before Nevada's offer, Horton's only other collegiate opportunities were from Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado. However, his trajectory changed dramatically under Norvell's guidance. Recognizing his potential, Norvell took Horton with him when he was hired at Colorado State in 2022. Horton thrived at Colorado State, catching 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns that season. His impressive performance continued in 2023, as he recorded 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns.
Horton could have declared for the NFL Draft or transferred via the portal after his successful 2023 season. However, showing loyalty and dedication, he chose to return to Colorado State for one final season. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," affirmed Chad Savage, emphasizing the strong character and commitment Horton displayed.
As Colorado State prepares to host Colorado for the first time since 1996, Horton enters the game as a key player to watch. The game gains additional significance with Horton’s recent performance—an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him last week. "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week," Jay Norvell said, expressing cautious optimism about Horton's readiness.
Horton’s accolades include being a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection, further cementing his status as a top-tier college football player. His career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in last year’s overtime loss to Colorado is a testament to his ability to perform under pressure on the national stage. As the upcoming game is nationally televised, all eyes will be on Horton to see if he can replicate or surpass his previous performances.
From his under-the-radar beginnings to becoming one of college football’s standout receivers, Tory Horton’s journey is a testament to talent nurtured by expert guidance and unwavering commitment. With one final season left at Colorado State, Horton has the opportunity to leave an indelible mark on the program and solidify his legacy before potentially taking his talents to the professional level.