Horton grew up in Frisco, Texas and attended Frisco High School, where he played safety on the football team. He initially committed to play college football at SMU.[1] Horton flipped his commitment to New Mexico during his senior year following the departure of SMU head coach Chad Morris.[2]
College career
Horton began his college career playing for the New Mexico Lobos. The New Mexico coaching staff moved him from safety to outside linebacker.[3] Horton played in 17 games over the course of two season. Following the end of the season he entered the NCAA transfer portal.[4]
Horton ultimately transferred to TCU. He was granted waiver to play immediately by the NCAA.[5] Horton was moved from linebacker to defensive end in his first season playing for the Horned Frogs.[6] He became a starter in 2021 and led the team with nine tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with four sacks.[7] Horton was named honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference as a senior.[8] He had four sacks, a forced fumble, and broke up a pass in TCU's 51-45 win over Michigan in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl.[9]
On November 22, 2023, Horton announced he was stepping away from football due to a personal health matter, and was placed on the non-football illness list.[13][14] He was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma in December, which entered remission in March 2024. Horton completed radiation therapy in May.[15]
On July 18, 2024, Horton was placed on the active/NFI list, and placed on reserves to begin the season.[16][17] He was activated on October 5.
