Steve Sarkisian has already secured nine committed players in Texas’ 2027 recruiting class, and pitches are underway for more recruits. However, the Longhorns are also facing the challenge of keeping elite commits locked in amid pushes from other schools to flip.
How Lane Kiffin Is Threatening Steve Sarkisian’s Grip on Five-Star Wide Receiver Easton Royal
Five-star Texas commit Easton Royal has been a top target for Lane Kiffin for LSU’s 2027 class amid a push to flip him from the Longhorns. The No. 1 wide receiver in America has arrived in Baton Rouge and has checked in for his unofficial campus visit.
Royal told Fox 8 New Orleans that all day at school, all of his friends are pushing him to flip to LSU. He also said he is committed to Texas but “still trying to figure out if that’s the best decision” for him. This definitely suggests a door is open for Kiffin and LSU to flip Royal if he likes the pitch.
Potentially losing Royal will be a big blow for Texas’ 2027 class, as he is the only wide receiver in the cycle. He is the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 9 overall recruit, according to ESPN.
Royal is coming off a phenomenal junior campaign in the Bayou State at Brother Martin High School. Rivals’ scouting summary also has only good things to say about his athleticism:
“Brings that elite speed to the gridiron-lethal on vertical routes, easily pulling away from defensive backs downfield. Tough to tackle in the open field and will take it the distance if he finds space at the second level. Shows natural shiftiness as a route-runner, giving him the ability to separate at every level. Among the more productive top wide receivers in the 2027 cycle as a junior.
“Can continue improving his ability to attack catches with his arms extended, but has shown an expanded catch radius with several highlight-reel grabs. One of the youngest top prospects in the class with a late July birthday prior to his freshman season of college football. Athleticism, budding polish, and big-play ability make him one of the top overall playmakers in the cycle with the potential to develop into a first-round NFL Draft pick.”
If LSU can successfully flip Royal, it will once again prove Kiffin’s strong recruitment caliber. His potential addition will give a big boost to the Tigers’ offense, which finished last season with a 76.1 score in the PFSN College Football Offense Impact Metric.
LSU already has a wide receiver commit in the 2027 class in four-star prospect Ah’Mari Stevens. The Tigers have 3 committed players in the cycle, including five-star EDGE Jaiden Bryant.
Meanwhile, Kiffin and his staff also hosted the No. 1 linebacker in America, Kaden Henderson, on a midweek official visit. He checks in as a top-25 prospect with LSU in pursuit, as Kiffin’s staff has rolled out the red carpet after hosting him on a multi-day trip.
