Remarks from Miami teammates regarding Isaiah Horton, the new wide receiver for Alabama: “He is prepared to explode.”
The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has long been a symbol of excellence in college football, and under the guidance of new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the team is positioning itself for another run at a national title. One of the most exciting new additions to the team for the 2025 season is Isaiah Horton, a dynamic wide receiver who transferred from Miami. Horton’s arrival at Alabama has generated significant buzz, not only because of his impressive physical attributes but also due to the potential he brings to an offense that has had success in recent years.
Horton, who made his mark at Miami, was a standout during his time with the Hurricanes, showcasing his incredible skill set as a versatile and dangerous wideout. His ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and create separation in tight coverage made him one of the most promising wide receivers in the transfer portal. But now that he has transferred to Alabama, teammates from Miami have been quick to praise him, with many offering remarks that point to his readiness to make a significant impact in the SEC.
As Horton gets ready to take the field in 2025, we look back at some of the powerful comments his former teammates from Miami have made about his abilities, his mindset, and why they believe he is “prepared to explode” in the Alabama offense. With such high praise coming from those who have played alongside him, it’s no surprise that expectations for Horton are sky-high.
Isaiah Horton’s Journey to Alabama
Before delving into the remarks from his Miami teammates, it’s important to understand Isaiah Horton’s journey to Alabama and why his decision to transfer was so impactful. Horton spent two seasons at Miami, where he developed into one of the program’s most exciting wide receivers. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 215 pounds, Horton possesses a combination of size, speed, and athleticism that makes him an elite threat on the field. His ability to high-point the ball and track deep passes downfield has earned him the reputation of a reliable playmaker.
During his time at Miami, Horton flashed his potential, especially in his sophomore year, where he quickly became one of the most targeted receivers in the Hurricanes’ offense. His standout performances included several explosive catches and memorable touchdowns, which earned him attention not only from fans but also from NFL scouts who saw a future star in the making.
However, as Horton progressed in his development, he realized that to reach his full potential and compete at the highest level, he would need to play at a school with a proven track record of developing elite wide receivers and competing for national championships. Alabama, with its rich history of producing top-tier talent, seemed like the perfect fit.
A Change of Scenery: Miami Teammates Weigh In
After Horton announced his transfer to Alabama, many of his former teammates from Miami took to social media and interviews to wish him well and reflect on his time with the Hurricanes. The overwhelming sentiment from his Miami teammates was one of support and admiration, as they understood just how special Horton was and how much he had the potential to contribute to a team like Alabama.
One of the most recurring themes from these comments was that Horton was “prepared to explode” in his new role at Alabama. It wasn’t just his physical attributes that made him stand out; it was his mentality and work ethic that impressed those around him. Here are some of the most notable remarks from Horton’s Miami teammates:
1. “He’s Got a Level of Consistency That You Can’t Teach” – Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke
Tyler Van Dyke, the starting quarterback for Miami, was one of the primary individuals to benefit from Horton’s ability to make plays in the passing game. In a recent interview, Van Dyke spoke highly of Horton’s consistency and his preparedness for the next level:
“Isaiah’s work ethic is something that really stood out to me. He always put in the extra hours, whether it was running routes after practice or working on his ball-tracking skills. He’s not just talented; he’s consistent. And that’s something you can’t teach. I know he’s going to explode at Alabama because he’s been building up to this moment for a while. With a coach like Kalen DeBoer, who knows how to get the best out of his players, Isaiah will be in the perfect spot.”
Van Dyke’s comments highlight the discipline and maturity Horton has developed over his college career. While physical ability is important, it’s the mental preparation and commitment to improvement that will separate Horton in a crowded Alabama offense.
2. “His Ability to Attack the Ball in the Air is Elite” – Wide Receiver Xavier Restrepo
One of Horton’s biggest assets is his ability to make plays in the air. Whether it’s catching contested passes in tight coverage or attacking a ball in the deep part of the field, Horton has the tools to be an immediate playmaker for Alabama’s offense. Xavier Restrepo, another wide receiver for Miami, gave his take on Horton’s ability to dominate in the air:
“Isaiah’s ability to go up and get the ball is on another level. I’ve seen him go up against some of the best corners in the country, and he just attacks the ball. He’s not afraid to go get it, and that makes him so dangerous. I think with a quarterback like Jalen Milroe at Alabama, who can stretch the field, Isaiah is going to shine. He’s prepared for this moment.”
Restrepo’s comments emphasize Horton’s elite ball skills and the confidence he has in making plays in the air. With Alabama’s ability to stretch the field, Horton’s deep-threat potential will be a huge asset for the team.
3. “He’s Going to Be a Nightmare for Defenders” – Defensive Back DJ Ivey
Even opponents of Horton have nothing but respect for his skill set. Defensive back DJ Ivey, who lined up against Horton during their time at Miami, described him as one of the most difficult wide receivers to defend in practice:
“I don’t think people realize just how tough Isaiah is to defend. He’s big, strong, fast, and has incredible hands. If you give him an inch, he’s going to take a mile. I remember in practice, he’d just burn us with those deep routes or make unbelievable catches in tight coverage. I think he’s going to be a nightmare for defenders in the SEC, and they’re going to have a hard time keeping up with him.”
Ivey’s perspective as a defensive player reinforces the idea that Horton is a matchup nightmare. His size and speed make him a problem for both smaller cornerbacks and bigger, slower defenders. This versatility will allow him to create mismatches in various scenarios, whether in the red zone or on deep passes.
4. “He’s Got the Hunger to Prove Himself” – Running Back Henry Parrish Jr.
Miami running back Henry Parrish Jr. spoke to Horton’s drive and hunger to prove himself at the next level:
“Isaiah is one of the hardest-working guys I’ve ever been around. He’s always asking questions, always seeking out opportunities to improve. He’s not satisfied with what he’s done at Miami; he wants to be great at Alabama. I know he’s going to put in the work to make that happen. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, and that’s the type of player you want to have on your team. He’s going to explode at Alabama, no question about it.”
Parrish’s remarks highlight Horton’s mentality and determination. This hunger to prove himself could be the driving force behind Horton’s success in Alabama’s system, as he works tirelessly to make the most of his opportunity.
Horton’s Potential in the Alabama Offense
With such high praise from his former teammates at Miami, it’s clear that Horton possesses both the physical talent and mental fortitude to make a huge impact at Alabama. As the Crimson Tide offense looks to continue its evolution under new leadership, Horton provides an exciting weapon for Kalen DeBoer to utilize in various formations. His ability to stretch the field, make plays in the air, and contribute in both the short and long-range passing game will add a dynamic element to an offense that has already produced highly touted wide receivers in recent years.
The key to Horton’s success at Alabama will be his ability to quickly integrate into the team’s offensive scheme and build chemistry with quarterback Jalen Milroe. If Horton can make that adjustment early in the season, he has the potential to be a breakout star in the SEC and possibly one of the best wide receivers in the nation by the end of the year.
