The decision by former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Squirrel White to transfer to Florida State earlier this offseason has flown somewhat under the radar, especially among Tennessee fans, but it is likely to have a more significant impact on the Vols than many realize. White had been a key figure for Tennessee’s offense during his sophomore season in 2023, recording 67 receptions for 803 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was expected to help elevate the Volunteers’ offense in 2024, but his production drastically dropped that year, leaving some to overlook the importance of his departure.
In 2024, White’s numbers took a noticeable dip, as he only caught 34 passes for 381 yards and two touchdowns, despite playing in all 13 of Tennessee’s games. While many pointed to the shift in offensive dynamics and the emergence of other playmakers, the true reason behind White’s decreased production was a significant knee injury. White played through a PCL sprain for most of the season, which impacted his ability to perform at the high level he had set in the previous year. This injury especially limited his ability in Tennessee’s loss to Ohio State in the first round of the College Football Playoff, where White only played 17 snaps due to the severity of his condition.
White opened up about his injury during a press conference at Florida State, revealing that the PCL sprain was something he had been dealing with throughout his time at Tennessee. “I’ve been able to get more work (during spring practice) coming off a PCL sprain,” he told reporters. He also mentioned that the injury had been affecting him long before his transfer, explaining that it was an issue he dealt with for much of the 2024 season while still at Tennessee. This disclosure puts into context why White’s production suffered last year, and it also highlights his resilience in continuing to play through the pain despite being less than fully healthy.
White’s decision to transfer to Florida State marks a new chapter for the Alabama native, who is now working to regain full strength and maximize his final season of eligibility. As he transitions into a new system with the Seminoles, White will look to prove himself once again as one of the top wide receivers in college football, now with a chance to contribute in an offense that could better suit his talents. While many Tennessee fans may have shrugged off White’s departure, especially given his lower production in 2024, it’s clear that losing him represents a significant blow for the Vols.
The loss of White is particularly felt given the nature of his early contributions at Tennessee. He was immediately productive as a true freshman, quickly establishing himself as a reliable option in Tennessee’s high-powered offense. While he may not have been projected to be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, White’s consistency and experience in the SEC made him a valuable asset to the Vols’ offensive plans. The fact that White could still be productive, even while dealing with the injury, underscores his importance to the team. Losing a player who has been tested in the competitive SEC environment, and who has shown the ability to make plays when healthy, is a bigger deal than many fans may realize.
White’s departure leaves an opening in Tennessee’s receiving corps, which will likely provide opportunities for younger players to step up and fill the void left by his absence. The Vols have a number of talented wide receivers on their roster, and while some of them may emerge as key contributors, there’s no guarantee that any of them will be able to replace White’s experience and skill set immediately. This situation places additional pressure on the coaching staff to develop the younger players quickly and integrate them into the offensive system effectively. Tennessee will need to look to players who can replicate White’s speed and ability to stretch the field, qualities that were a hallmark of his game during his time at Tennessee.
However, despite the opportunities for younger players to shine, the reality is that White’s departure still stings for Tennessee. Even though his 2024 season wasn’t his best due to the injury, his presence in the lineup had a stabilizing effect. He was someone who could be counted on in critical moments, particularly in tough SEC matchups. While the Vols will undoubtedly look to new faces to step into larger roles, it’s hard to deny the value that White brought to the team, both as a playmaker and as a mentor to the younger wide receivers in the program.
In the grand scheme of things, White’s decision to transfer should serve as a reminder to Tennessee’s coaching staff and fans of the importance of retaining experienced players who have proven their worth in the SEC. His situation highlights the unpredictability of college football and the potential impact of injuries on a player’s career trajectory. It also underscores the challenge that programs face in maintaining continuity and building successful teams year after year.
While Tennessee has a promising future with a talented roster, the loss of a player like White should not be underestimated. The hope is that the younger wide receivers who now have the chance to step up can carry the torch and maintain the level of play expected from Tennessee’s offense. But as White himself demonstrated, the transition from potential to consistent production is never guaranteed, and it can be influenced by a range of factors—injuries being a major one.
Ultimately, White’s departure is a bigger deal for Tennessee than it may seem at first glance. His skills, experience, and leadership were assets that the Vols can’t easily replace. While the future remains bright for Tennessee, especially with the new talent coming in, White’s absence will certainly be felt as the team looks to maintain its competitiveness in the SEC and beyond. His move to Florida State is a positive step for his career, but for Tennessee, it marks the end of an era of reliable play from one of their most dynamic offensive weapons.