Florida quarterback Tim Tebow said his love for the University of Florida and his desire to be loyal to a program that has provided him with so much opportunity were two of the many factors involved in his decision to return for his senior season.

"I just felt loyal to this place,'' Tebow said. "A lot of times today, people start things then don't finish them. I didn't want to be like that to the people of this university. I wanted to finish what I started and play another year.'

Florida coach Urban Meyer spent the day with Tebow on Saturday and was informed that evening.

Tebow called the decision extremely tough.'

"It was tough because some of that stuff is tempting on the next level'' Tebow said. "And everything that goes along with it, especially the chance to leave on a good note with a national championship and move on from there. But I  love coach Meyer and this program too much and I feel we can still end with a bang next year.''