LSU Football Makes Major Move for Five-Star Texas Longhorns Wide Receiver Commit

Lane Kiffin and Co. are prioritizing the SEC pledge, remaining loyal to Texas commit after decision in November.
Team Roses' Easton Royal (3) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the Under Armour All-America Game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand.
Team Roses' Easton Royal (3) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the Under Armour All-America Game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand. | Nadia Zomorodian/News-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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New Orleans (La.) Brother Martin five-star wide receiver Easton Royal stole headlines last November after revealing a commitment to Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns.

Royal checks in as the No. 1 wideout in the 2027 Recruiting Cycle with the hometown LSU Tigers now playing catch up after he made his move to join the Longhorns' class last fall after a heavy pursuit.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder has earned offers from the LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, Florida Gators, Texas Longhorns, Michigan Wolverines, Oregon Ducks, Florida State Seminoles, and Tennessee Volunteers, among several others, across the last few months.

But it's Sarkisian and Co. that hold the verbal commitment from Louisiana's No. 1 prospect.

During his sophomore campaign in 2024, Easton was a Catholic League All-District First-Team selection with more than 1,100 all-purpose yards for the Brother Martin Crusaders. He also logged double-digit touchdowns.

Fast forward to Royal's junior season in 2025 and he once again took America by storm after another year where he stuffed the stat sheet - earning a myriad of honors in the Bayou State.

Royal finished his junior year with 53 receptions for 1,151 yards and 17 touchdowns with his track speed on full display - where he also thrives after finishing the 100-meter dash in 10.3 seconds last season.

Just days after Royal committed to Texas, Lane Kiffin was introduced as the head coach of the LSU Tigers where he's already intensified his pursuit along with the new-look staff.

Last week, the LSU coaching staff checked in with Royal for a face-to-face meeting. Fast forward just days later and Kiffin has now had a visit with the No. 1 wideout in America after heading to his high school on Thursday morning.

“The thing that fires me up is LSU is always knowing they produce good wide receivers so it’s a blessing to be wanted to be a part of that legacy,” Royal told Rivals.

“The thing that makes them a potential fit is the way the love to take 1-on-1 with their receivers.”

Now, all eyes are on Royal this year with the LSU Tigers looking to flip him away from the Texas Longhorns, but it's clear Sarkisian and Co. are keeping a foot on the gas after hosting Royal this weekend on an unofficial visit to the Lone Star State.

More LSU News:

Nick Saban Names LSU No. 1 Coaching Job in College Football Amid Lane Kiffin Move

Lane Kiffin Pulls Off Historic Feat in Landing Commitment From Princewill Umanmielen

One Underrated Transfer in LSU Football's No. 1 Ranked Portal Class Under Lane Kiffin

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Zack Nagy
ZACK NAGY

Zack Nagy is the Managing Editor and Publisher of LSU Country, a Sports Illustrated Publication. Nagy has covered Tiger Football, Basketball, Baseball and Recruiting, looking to keep readers updated on anything and everything involving LSU athletics. 

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