Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns currently have one of the best 2027 recruiting classes in the nation. Ranked among the top 10 nationally by 247Sports, the crown jewel of Texas’s 2027 recruitment class is five-star wide receiver Easton Royal from Brother Martin High School.
Meanwhile, Lane Kiffin is looking to put the reported $25 million NIL war chest to work after signing his seven-year blockbuster deal. Ahead of next year’s national signing day, every program in college football is reportedly gunning for Sarkisian’s star recruit.
Steve Sarkisian Under Pressure as LSU Pushes To Flip 5-Star Easton Royal
According to a recent report from FOX reporter Garland Gillen, Steve Sarkisian and Texas are facing a challenge with multiple programs trying to flip Royal’s recruitment. Among these programs, Kiffin’s LSU is one SEC school hoping to flip the Louisiana star.
Easton Royal is a 5-star recruit, the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation, and the 5th best player in the 2027 class at any position according to Rivals.
Every big-time school in the country wants the Brother Martin junior on their campus. Right now, he’s committed to the Texas… pic.twitter.com/4TH9xpSz9i
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) March 7, 2026
“Easton Royal is a five-star recruit, the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation, and a top-10 player in the 2027 class at any position according to Rivals. Every big-time school in the country wants the Brother Martin junior on their campus,” Gillen reported.
“Right now, he’s committed to the Texas Longhorns. Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers are among some SEC schools trying to change Royal’s mind,” the FOX reporter continued. Sarkisian landed Royal’s commitment back in November 2025.
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Following his sophomore and junior seasons, in which Royal hauled in 1,149 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns in 12 games as a sophomore, as well as 53 receptions for 1,151 yards and 17 touchdowns in his junior year, the Brother Martin star received multiple offers. Among those offers were Texas, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and others. LSU also offered him in May 2025. With Sarkisian landing his commitment, Royal isn’t locked in to sign for Texas at all.
According to recent reports, the Longhorns commit hasn’t completely shut down his recruitment. Additionally, the five-star receiver has an official visit scheduled with LSU in late May. Kiffin has been making the Louisiana native a top priority going into 2027.
“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. The thing that makes them a potential fit is the way they love to take 1-on-1 with their receivers,” Royal told Rivals.
Texas Still Holds the Lead Despite LSU’s Pursuit
Despite the interest from LSU, Sarkisian may not have to worry quite yet. Losing the five-star receiver would be a significant blow to an already disjointed recruitment cycle after losing the commitment of four-star linebacker Taven Epps.
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“I won’t cut relationships off, and I will take visits, but Texas is the school that feels right for me,” Royal told Rivals. However, it will be tough for Sarkisian to compete with the pedigree and resources that LSU could offer.
Going into the spring, Easton Royal’s recruitment trail will be one to keep track of as he fields visits from multiple programs. At the current point in time, it appears that LSU and Texas are the two programs pushing hardest for the receiver.
