Grand Return: Junior WR Squirrel White Decommits from Florida State and Rejoins Tennessee in Stunning Move…
KNOXVILLE, TN — In what can only be described as a triumphant homecoming and a moment of redemption for Tennessee Football, Junior wide receiver Squirrel White has officially decommitted from Florida State and returned to the Tennessee Volunteers. The electric playmaker, known for his blazing speed and explosive ability in the open field, shocked the college football world on Thursday night with a heartfelt announcement that he’s heading back to where his football journey truly began: Rocky Top.
This unexpected twist has not only invigorated the Tennessee fanbase but has also reignited national conversations about NIL dynamics, player loyalty, and the emotional pull of college football’s most storied programs.
Let’s dive deep into what led to this monumental decision, what it means for Tennessee, and how Squirrel White’s return could redefine the 2025 season.
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A Lightning Bolt in Cleats
Squirrel White, whose real name is Marquarius White, has long been a fan favorite in Knoxville. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing in at around 165 pounds, White may not be the biggest target on the field, but he is without a doubt one of the most dynamic. His blistering speed, quick footwork, and sharp instincts made him a breakout star during his first two years with the Vols.
During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he amassed over 1,700 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, emerging as a deep threat and clutch performer, especially in high-pressure SEC matchups. His performances in rivalry games—especially against Florida and Alabama—cemented his legacy as a key contributor in Tennessee’s resurgence under Head Coach Josh Heupel.
But by the end of the 2024 season, rumors began swirling.
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The Shocking Exit
In December 2024, shortly after Tennessee’s season ended, Squirrel White made the stunning decision to enter the transfer portal. Fans were heartbroken. Within a few weeks, he committed to Florida State, citing a new challenge, opportunity for leadership, and rumored NIL incentives as factors.
It was a bitter pill for Tennessee supporters to swallow. Social media lit up with speculation and disappointment. Some fans wished him well, while others expressed frustration. Even Coach Heupel admitted in a press conference that losing Squirrel was “tough to process.”
The FSU commitment was met with fanfare in Tallahassee, with the Seminoles boasting they had landed one of the SEC’s most electrifying weapons. But behind the scenes, something wasn’t sitting right.
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“I Never Left in Spirit”: The Return to Rocky Top
On May 1, 2025, everything changed.
In a powerful statement posted to social media, Squirrel White addressed the college football world:
> “Sometimes in life, you have to go far to realize where you belong. My heart has always been in Knoxville. I want to finish what I started. I’m coming back home. #GoVols”
The post immediately went viral. Tennessee fans erupted with joy, alumni chimed in with support, and even current Vols players flooded timelines with celebratory messages. The Tennessee Athletic Department quickly confirmed the return and released official graphics welcoming White back to the program.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, White had continued conversations with his former teammates and coaching staff over the last month. A major factor in his return was quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who recently also reversed his own exit plans and committed fully to Tennessee, signing a new NIL package. The duo had a close bond on the field, and their chemistry is undeniable.
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NIL, Loyalty, and Redemption
Much of Squirrel White’s initial departure was reportedly influenced by the evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape. Florida State offered a highly competitive deal, and the temptation to start anew elsewhere was real. However, Tennessee’s NIL collective, The Volunteer Legacy Fund, regrouped quickly and worked behind the scenes to ensure they could offer White not only competitive compensation, but long-term value, mentorship, and endorsement support.
But more than money, insiders say the decision came down to heart. White missed the atmosphere in Knoxville, the Vols fanbase, the culture built under Coach Heupel, and the locker room energy that made him feel part of a family.
Coach Heupel, speaking to local media, had this to say:
> “Squirrel is one of the most electric athletes I’ve ever coached, but more importantly, he’s a young man with integrity and heart. We’re honored to have him back. He belongs in orange.”
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On-Field Impact: What Squirrel White Brings in 2025
With White returning, Tennessee’s offensive unit just got a massive boost. He steps back into a receiving corps that’s now anchored by the likes of Nathan Leacock (who also recently reversed a commitment to Purdue), Bru McCoy, and Dont’e Thornton Jr. This trio, along with tight end Ethan Davis and dual-threat QB Nico Iamaleava, forms one of the most dangerous offensive arsenals in the SEC.
White’s ability to stretch the field, return kicks, and make defenders miss in space gives the Vols a reliable spark plug. His timing with Iamaleava is already well-established, and their combined experience could be the X-factor in Tennessee’s pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth.
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SEC Rivals React
The ripple effects of Squirrel White’s decision are already being felt across the conference. Florida State forums exploded with frustration, while SEC rivals like Alabama and Georgia are scrambling to re-evaluate Tennessee’s threat level for the upcoming season.
ESPN analyst Desmond Howard said during a segment:
> “This is a top-10 wide receiver in college football. Tennessee just got their soul back. They’re not playing for second place anymore.”
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A Message to Vol Nation
Shortly after his announcement, White took time during a surprise appearance on The Vol Calls radio program to speak directly to fans:
> “I know I left a lot of people confused and maybe even disappointed, and for that, I’m sorry. But sometimes you’ve got to step away to see how good you had it. I promise y’all—I’m back, and I’m better. Let’s finish what we started.”
The crowd in the restaurant where the program was being broadcast erupted in applause.
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Looking Ahead: A 2025 Season Full of Fire
The return of Squirrel White marks yet another twist in what is shaping up to be an unforgettable season for the Volunteers. With Heupel’s high-octane offense, a matured and battle-tested quarterback, and a WR room that’s now loaded with experience and talent, the Vols are looking more and more like serious SEC contenders.
White is expected to rejoin team practices within the week and could make an appearance at the team’s upcoming fan day at Neyland Stadium. His jersey is already back in demand at local merchandise stores, and ticket sales have spiked in response to the recent roster news.
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Final Thoughts: The Power of Coming Home
Squirrel White’s return is about more than football—it’s about the unbreakable bond between a player and a community. In an age of transfers and transactions, his story reminds us all of something deeper: that sometimes, home is not just where you start—it’s where you find your purpose again.
With Vol Nation behind him, Coach Heupel guiding him, and a renewed fire within him, Squirrel White is back—and Rocky Top is ready to roar.
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