The Colorado Buffaloes (1-1) look to bounce black this week in their cross-state rivalry game against the Colorado State Rams (1-1) after a disastrous loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Colorado will now have the daunting task of trying to contain fifth-year wide receiver Tory Horton, who is considered to be one of the best wide receiver prospects for next year's NFL Draft. Horton is considered to be one of the best Group of Five players and is even on the Biletnikoff Award watch list.
Coming out of high school, Horton was a three-star recruit from Washington Union in Fresno, California. Horton only received one FBS-level scholarship. Horton received a scholarship from Nevada, who was coached by current CSU head coach Jay Norvell. Horton followed Norvell when he took the head coaching job in Fort Collins, and now Horton is the best player on Colorado State's roster.
Horton took the world by storm at last year’s Rocky Mountain Showdown, reeling in 16 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown in overtime. Horton made spectacular catch after spectacular catch last year and even threw a touchdown pass to tight end Dallin Holker. Horton nearly brought his team the victory.
Even though after the game the world knew who Tory Horton was, he had been terrorizing teams for years before that. During his 2022 campaign, Horton caught 72 balls for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns.
Last season, Horton had 96 catches for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. Horton received All-Mountain West Conference honors and even led the conference in receptions per game with eight.
It was reported that after his breakout year last year, Horton received NIL deals in the upper hundred thousands range to leave CSU and transfer to other institutions, but Horton turned them down to stay and play one more season with Norvell.
Though Horton and the Rams had a rough start at Texas in Week 1 by losing 52-0, the Rams bounced back and easily disposed of the Northern Colorado Bears. Horton returned UNCO’s first punt 73 yards for a touchdown to give the Rams’ home opener an explosive start.
Horton finished the game with three receptions for 65 yards, but the receiver suffered a groin strain in the third quarter, and never returned to the game. He is currently listed as a game-time decision, according to ESPN. He will be evaluated during pregame warmups after practicing on Friday.
Despite his injury, there is no doubt that Horton will still be a game-changer Saturday night if he plays. Horton is the type of receiver who can make any play due to his explosiveness. With Horton, CSU can never be counted out. The Horton vs. CU star WR/CB Travis Hunter matchup will be a fun one to watch, with two masters of their craft going one-on-one.
Horton is an extremely versatile receiver. Not only can he be a speedy, deep-threat type of receiver, but he is also an amazing route runner. Horton’s versatility makes him a threat anywhere on the field. The way he plays the game is the reason a lot of the offense revolves around him.
With his sights set on the NFL next season, Horton has a golden chance to shock the world and stun the Buffs.
“We should have murdered them guys,” Horton said in July. “This ain't no ‘Cinderella Story,’ we’re coming for revenge.”
Colorado and Colorado State will now battle to see who is the true king of Colorado on Saturday night in Fort Collins. The 93rd Rocky Mountain Showdown will be broadcast on CBS at 5:30 p.m. MT.
Cover photo courtesy of Colorado State Athletics/CSURams.com
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