Nevada's Football Triumphs and Tory Horton's Rising Star
The 2019 football season marked a significant chapter for the University of Nevada, Reno, as the team, under the guidance of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, clinched a triumphant victory against Fresno State. This win set the stage for numerous milestones and memorable moments, particularly for a young wide receiver named Tory Horton.
Horton's journey to prominence began during a CIF-Central Section playoff game, where he made an impression with a single, yet impactful, 54-yard catch. This performance did not go unnoticed by Eric Scott, leading to Nevada extending Horton his first scholarship offer from an FBS program. The offer marked a pivotal turning point for Horton, who, at that time, was a three-star prospect on 247Sports since February 2019.
Prior to Nevada’s offer, Horton’s collegiate opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado. His connections in the world of competitive 7-on-7 football also played a crucial role in his development. Horton was a member of No Zone, a talented 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," remarked Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, reflecting on the impressive talent within the team.
Norvell’s belief in Horton did not waver, and when he transitioned to Colorado State in 2022, he brought Horton along. This move proved to be beneficial for both the player and the team. Horton’s performance at Colorado State was nothing short of stellar. In the 2022 season, he hauled in 71 passes for 1,131 yards and scored eight touchdowns. His stats improved even further the following year, with 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2023 season. Such accomplishments firmly established Horton as a top-tier receiver in college football.
Horton's loyalty to Colorado State and Norvell stood out when he made the decision to return for one final season, bypassing opportunities to enter the NFL Draft or switch schools via the transfer portal. Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, highlighted Horton's character, noting, "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family."
The 2023 season also featured standout moments, including an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving prior to an injury that sidelined him. Despite the setback, Norvell remains optimistic about Horton’s return to the field, stating, "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 resilience and consistent performance earned him two-time All-Mountain West first-team honors. His career-high came during last year’s thrilling overtime loss to Colorado, where he recorded 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. As Colorado State prepares to host Colorado for the first time since 1996, Horton's contributions will be instrumental in the team’s efforts to secure a victory.
Through perseverance and relentless dedication, Tory Horton has carved out a remarkable collegiate career. His journey from a promising recruit in Nevada to a star player at Colorado State serves as an inspiring testament to his talent and unwavering commitment to the game.