Some may say a better NIL transaction was the reason he left the University of Alabama for a different Southeastern Conference program, but he recently spoke for himself about his new school.
Alabama picked up transfer tight end to add ‘strength and demeanor’ to run game
Isaiah Horton, a former Alabama wide receiver, was one of several players that exited the Crimson Tide after last season via the NCAA transfer portal. He spent one year at Alabama (2025) in coming over from the Miami Hurricanes. Horton helped the Tide to the College Football Playoff, totaling 42 catches for 511 receiving yards and a team-high eight touchdown catches.
Sep 27, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Isaiah Horton (1) celebrates with offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) after scoring a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Nashville (Tenn.) native is now at Texas A&M University under Mike Elko.
Alabama WR transfer Isaiah Horton on why he came to Texas A&M: “I believe in coach Elko, the culture he’s building here, I believe in Marcel Reed. … I believe in him with all my heart, and I believe in this program, and I believe in this culture.” pic.twitter.com/PP8b8aB9kH
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) April 2, 2026
He was one of five receiving options that caught 30-plus passes; however, Horton shared why ‘Gig Em’ is better for him than ‘Roll Tide.’
“I believe in Mike Elko,” Horton said of his decision to transfer to TAMU.
“The culture he is building here, I believe in Marcel Reed. He is a guy from my hometown. We grew up together and I believe in him with all my heart. I just believe in this program, and I believe in this culture.”
Alabama did not face Texas A&M in 2025, yet the Aggies finished 11-2.
Reed was a 3,000+ yard passer (3,169) with 31 total touchdowns.
The Aggies graduated KC Concepcion to the NFL Draft, but it returns a load of talent at wide receiver.
Whether it was NIL or truly a better opportunity, Horton is now an Aggie.
Alabama will battle Horton and his new team at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 24 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. His former teammates will look forward to facing him.
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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
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