From Tennessee to Tallahassee: Squirrel White Set to Spark Florida State’s Offense
Tennessee transfer wide receiver Squirrel White has arrived in Tallahassee ahead of the 2025 season, ready to integrate with his new Florida State teammates and adjust to life in the Sunshine State with his young son, who is just nine months old.
White’s move to FSU in early January drew attention as he was ranked among the top 25 transfer players of the offseason following a standout career at Tennessee. His arrival, along with that of USC transfer Duce Robinson, signals a major shift in the Seminoles’ receiving corps heading into the new season.
White spoke with the media on Tuesday before heading to a team meeting where discussions centered on the offensive strategy under new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. Also on the agenda was how the offense would evolve with quarterback Thomas Castellanos, a transfer from Boston College, who will be tasked with delivering the ball to White.
White, who is already familiar with Castellanos’ playmaking ability, noted, “I think I saw a clip of him that went viral on ESPN of him making a crazy play, like scrambling around and just finding the receiver down the field.
So, I’m definitely familiar with his style. I’ve seen him before and know what he can do.” The connection between the two players will likely be key to the success of the FSU offense, as both are adjusting to a new system but bring impressive experience to the table.
Over the course of his 38 games at Tennessee, White compiled 1,665 yards and four touchdowns, averaging a solid 12.7 yards per catch. This productive tenure in the SEC has given him the confidence that he will excel in FSU’s offensive system, which shares similarities with what he experienced at Tennessee under head coach Mike Norvell. “I feel like I’m very comfortable with the offense,” White commented. “It’s similar to what we ran at Tennessee, so I’ll be comfortable.”
As for the origin of his distinctive nickname, “Squirrel,” White shared a heartwarming story that has nothing to do with his skills on the football field.
According to White, the nickname came from his great-grandmother when he was a baby. She noticed him moving in sync with a squirrel outside her garden and decided that “Squirrel” would be the perfect moniker. “It started when I was a baby.
My great-grandmother was holding me in her arms, and a squirrel was out in her garden picking at her tomatoes. When the squirrel moved, I moved, so she was like, ‘That’s going to be your name. That’s going to be your nickname.'”
Looking ahead to the upcoming spring camp, White expressed his readiness to hit the field and compete. “As far as being ready to go, I’m always ready to go,” he said confidently. “I’m healthy, so I’ll be ready to go this spring.”
With a fresh start at Florida State, White is not just adjusting to a new team but also preparing to make a significant impact as part of an evolving offense. His prior experience, strong work ethic, and natural fit within the Seminoles’ system make him a player to watch as he takes the field in 2025.
