Nevada's 2019 Football Season: A Turning Point for Tory Horton
In 2019, under the guidance of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, the Nevada Wolf Pack football team celebrated a significant victory over Fresno State. An unassuming but pivotal figure emerging from that season was young wide receiver Tory Horton, whose journey from a relatively unknown prospect to one of college football’s standout receivers is nothing short of remarkable.
Horton’s breakthrough moment came when he recorded a single catch for 54 yards during a CIF-Central Section playoff game attended by Eric Scott. Recognizing Horton’s potential, Nevada extended his first FBS scholarship offer, setting into motion a flourishing collegiate career. Until then, Horton’s only other opportunities were from Big Sky schools such as Montana and Northern Colorado.
Horton had already been garnering attention as a three-star prospect on 247Sports since February 2019. His early development was honed in the competitive environment of No Zone, a talented 7-on-7 team. Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, vividly recalls the calibre of players No Zone featured. “We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level,” Ware said. Indeed, Horton was in the company of future Division I stars like Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena.
In 2022, Jay Norvell, responsible for giving Horton his initial collegiate break, took the talented receiver with him when he transitioned to Colorado State. The move proved beneficial for Horton, who had a stellar 2022 season with 71 catches for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. By the 2023 season, Horton continued to impress with 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and another eight touchdowns.
Horton’s decision to return to Colorado State for one final season instead of declaring for the NFL Draft or exploring the transfer portal is a testament to his loyalty and work ethic—attributes noted by those close to him. “He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family,” said Chad Savage, a graduate assistant at Colorado State.
This season, Horton has already showcased his electrifying play, including a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him. However, Coach Jay Norvell remains optimistic about his recovery. “Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week,” he remarked.
Colorado State fans eagerly await Horton’s return, especially with the upcoming home game against Colorado—their first since 1996. Horton’s past performances against Colorado have been nothing short of spectacular. In last year’s overtime loss, Horton achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, solidifying his reputation as a clutch player.
Furthermore, Horton’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning him two-time All-Mountain West first-team selections. His consistent performances underscore his development since his early days in Nevada, validating the faith Jay Norvell placed in him from the outset.
As Horton gears up for his final season at Colorado State, his journey from an undersized prospect to a dominant force on the football field serves as an inspiring narrative. His achievements reflect not only his talent but also the pivotal roles played by dedicated coaches and a supportive network. Indeed, Horton’s story is a compelling testament to the impact of opportunity, preparation, and unwavering commitment.