Marquarius “Squirrel” has finally Returns to Tennessee After Leaving Florida State
Former Tennessee wide receiver Marquarius “Squirrel” White has decided to terminate his contract with Florida State University (FSU) and make an unexpected return to the Tennessee Volunteers. White, known for his exceptional speed and agility, initially transferred to FSU in early 2025, but after a brief stint, he has chosen to rejoin his former team.
A Sudden Change of Plans
White’s decision to leave Florida State has caught many by surprise. After three successful seasons at Tennessee, where he recorded 131 receptions for 1,665 yards and six touchdowns, he opted to transfer to FSU to play his final season of eligibility. At the time, White believed Florida State’s offensive system aligned with his strengths, making it a promising new chapter in his college career.
However, less than three months after committing to the Seminoles, White reversed course and returned to Tennessee. While he has not publicly disclosed the full reasons for his departure, several factors appear to have influenced his decision.
Coaching Relationships and Comfort
One major factor behind White’s return is his strong connection with Tennessee’s coaching staff, particularly head coach Josh Heupel and wide receivers coach Kodi Burns. Before initially leaving for FSU, White had expressed deep admiration for the Volunteers’ offensive system and how Heupel maximized playmakers’ potential.
Reports suggest that White may have felt a disconnect with Florida State’s coaching environment, prompting him to reconsider his decision. The familiarity and trust he built with Tennessee’s coaching staff over the years likely played a pivotal role in his choice to return.
A Sense of Belonging
Beyond football strategies, personal factors also seem to have contributed to White’s return. His initial commitment to Tennessee in 2022 was driven by a sense of belonging within the program. Some analysts speculate that homesickness or a lack of comfort at Florida State may have played a role in his decision.
For many college athletes, the transition to a new team can be challenging, both on and off the field. White’s return to Tennessee suggests that personal comfort and emotional connections to a program can be just as important as athletic considerations when choosing a team.
What This Means for Tennessee
With White back in Knoxville, Tennessee’s receiving corps gains an experienced and dynamic playmaker. White’s speed and ability to create explosive plays were crucial to the Volunteers’ offense in previous seasons. His return gives Tennessee an immediate boost, especially as they prepare for the upcoming season with high expectations.
Quarterback chemistry will be an important factor in determining White’s impact. Having previously worked within Tennessee’s system, White’s familiarity with the offensive scheme should allow him to reintegrate quickly. If he can pick up where he left off, he could play a significant role in Tennessee’s passing game.
Florida State’s Perspective
While Tennessee benefits from White’s return, Florida State is left with an unexpected hole in its receiving unit. The Seminoles had high hopes for White’s contributions in 2025, and his departure leaves them needing to adjust their depth chart.
It remains unclear how FSU will address this loss, but they may look toward younger players or the transfer portal to fill the gap. White’s sudden exit highlights the unpredictable nature of college football transfers and how quickly circumstances can change.
Looking Ahead
As White settles back into Tennessee, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he performs in his second stint with the Volunteers. His decision to return underscores the impact of coaching relationships, personal comfort, and team culture in college athletics.
For Tennessee, this reunion has the potential to be a major win, as White’s return strengthens their offense for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Florida State must regroup and move forward without one of their anticipated playmakers.
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