That’s exactly what’s happening right now, and it’s probably got Steve Sarkisian and Texas paying close attention.
Lane Kiffin, LSU Turn Up Pressure on Texas Commit Easton Royal
LSU beat writer Zack Nagy reported that Kiffin and his staff are hosting five-star wide receiver Easton Royal, who’s currently committed to Texas. He’s down in Baton Rouge for a multi-day visit, which gives LSU a real shot to make an impression.
And this isn’t just a courtesy visit. LSU is pushing.
Royal, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound playmaker, would fit pretty naturally in Kiffin’s offense. His teams have always leaned into the passing game, and the numbers back that up, they were near the top of the country in passing yards. For a receiver like Royal, that kind of usage is hard to ignore.
Lane Kiffin and the #LSU Tigers are hosting the No. 1 wide receiver in America: Easton Royal.
The 5’11, 200-pounder remains the top target for Kiffin and Co. as the program pushes to flip him away from Texas.
Now, a multi-day stay to Baton Rouge with Kiffin and the LSU staff: pic.twitter.com/tU76AgTXan
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) April 2, 2026
That’s really the pitch: come here, and you’re going to get the ball. A lot. Ole Miss, where Kiffin was previously, ranked third in the country in passing yards per game at 315.9.
LSU can also point to some stability at quarterback, which matters for a top receiver thinking long-term. Between Sam Leavitt running things now and Husan Longstreet as a future option, the offense isn’t exactly short on direction in the shortcomings and the longer outlook.
Then there’s the development angle. Kiffin’s had receivers put up big numbers and turn that into real opportunities. Jordan Watkins had a PFSN CFB WR Impact score of 82.4, good for 14th in the country after a big season, and Tre Harris played his way into the NFL the same year in 2024. Recruits notice that stuff because success is obviously what they want too, and they want to be in the best position for that.
To be fair, Royal is doing what you’d expect: taking visits, looking around, making sure he’s 100% confident in his decision. That’s standard.
But when Kiffin’s involved, it never feels totally routine.
If LSU makes a strong impression on this visit, this could turn into something Texas actually has to worry about. Because if there’s one thing Kiffin has shown over the years, it’s that a commitment doesn’t always mean the door is closed.
