Could the departure of Squirrel White open the door for Boo Carter to make an unexpected transition to wide receiver in 2025? It’s a possibility that many are now speculating about, but whether or not this will actually happen remains uncertain. The latest news from Knoxville has taken fans and analysts by surprise, leaving many wondering about the implications for Tennessee’s future plans, particularly on offense.
The headline news coming out of Tennessee this week is the announcement that veteran wide receiver Squirrel White, who has been a key part of the Vols’ receiving corps for the past three seasons, will not be returning for the 2025 season. White made the decision to enter the transfer portal on Friday, marking the end of his time with head coach Josh Heupel’s program. This announcement has raised a few eyebrows, especially since White was expected to be one of Tennessee’s most significant offensive weapons in 2024. The first report came from sports journalist Pete Nakos, who revealed that one of the primary reasons for White’s transfer is his desire to return closer to his home state of Alabama.
According to Nakos, White’s decision to leave Tennessee is largely driven by a desire to be closer to family and home. White is a product of Alabama, and this could suggest that his next destination could be a school like Auburn or perhaps even the University of Alabama itself. Although nothing is set in stone yet, it’s clear that the decision was not made lightly, and it adds a layer of uncertainty to the Vols’ receiving corps heading into 2025. While Tennessee fans were hopeful for White’s return in 2024, his departure leaves a significant void in their offense.
During his time at Tennessee, White made a considerable impact, especially during the 2023 season, where he had a breakout year. He finished the season with 67 receptions for 803 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his speed and ability to stretch the field. In 2022, his first season with the Vols, he added 30 catches for 481 yards and two touchdowns, quickly establishing himself as a reliable target for the Vols’ offense. While the 2024 season didn’t quite live up to his previous achievements—he recorded 34 receptions for 381 yards and two touchdowns—many were still optimistic that he could bounce back and provide Tennessee with a strong receiving option in 2024. However, with his decision to transfer, those plans are now in limbo, and Tennessee must now find a way to replace his production on the field.
White’s departure could have significant consequences for the Vols, particularly for quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who was expected to rely heavily on White’s playmaking ability. As the team looks ahead to 2025, finding a replacement for White will be crucial for Iamaleava’s development and for the overall effectiveness of Tennessee’s passing attack. This loss could have ripple effects on the offensive strategy, as White was not only a key target in the passing game but also a player who could create big plays and add a dynamic element to the offense. Without White, Tennessee will need to look for new playmakers to step up and fill that role.
At the same time, this shift raises the question of what might happen with Boo Carter, the highly touted defensive back who has expressed interest in playing both ways—defense and offense—moving forward. Carter has been considering entering the transfer portal as well, with the hope of contributing on both sides of the ball. He has reportedly been meeting with Heupel and other coaching staff members to discuss his future and determine the best course of action. Carter’s dual aspirations have added an element of uncertainty to the situation, but with White now officially out of the picture for 2025, the door could be wide open for Carter to make an impact on offense as a wide receiver.
While Carter’s decision to play on offense is not yet confirmed, the possibility is intriguing. Carter is known for his athleticism and versatility, and his addition to the receiving corps could provide Tennessee with a dynamic playmaker who can contribute in multiple areas. The coaching staff is likely weighing the pros and cons of allowing Carter to transition to wide receiver, especially since he has excelled in the defensive backfield up until now. The decision will ultimately come down to how Carter’s skills translate to the offensive side of the ball and whether he can provide the Vols with the kind of impact they need.
For Tennessee, the loss of White and the potential of Carter’s position change could alter the team’s plans heading into 2025. The Vols will likely explore several options to fill the void left by White’s departure, including potentially leaning on other young receivers to step up or seeking out transfer options to bring in more talent. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding Carter’s future adds another layer of intrigue, as it could shift the focus of Tennessee’s recruiting and player development efforts in the coming months.
With White’s exit, Tennessee now finds itself facing a new set of challenges. Replacing his production and ensuring that Iamaleava has the weapons he needs to succeed will be crucial for the Vols’ offensive success. As for Boo Carter, his potential move to wide receiver could be one of the most fascinating storylines to follow as Tennessee prepares for 2025. While it’s still unclear whether he will make the switch, the possibility of seeing Carter in an expanded role on offense only adds to the excitement surrounding the program’s future. As the Vols adjust to these changes, one thing is certain: the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of transition and opportunity, with plenty of questions left to be answered in the coming months.
Tennessee Vols offense takes a hit with veteran WR surprisingly transferring
