LSU’s blowout of Clemson didn’t just announce Lane Kiffin’s arrival in Baton Rouge. It may have also tightened one of the biggest recruiting races in the country.
Easton Royal, the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver and a Texas commitment, was in the building Saturday night for LSU’s 51-10 win and reportedly walked away impressed by what he saw. The New Orleans native got a front-row look at an offense that looked explosive, confident and tailor-made for a receiver with his profile.
“Easton Royal saw an offense, saw a swagger, that would get the best out of him on the next level. I think he favors LSU,” Rivals recruiting director Steve Wiltfong said.
Kiffin and LSU have pushed hard for Royal throughout the cycle, and the school’s pitch has been straightforward: stay home, buy into the system and be part of the early statement that the new era can produce big numbers right away. According to Wiltfong, that was part of the message Kiffin brought with him when he took the job.
“What Lane Kiffin told [LSU] upon being hired, that they were gonna put up video game numbers on offense. [Royal] saw on full display on Saturday in Death Valley as they squeezed Clemson,” Wiltfong said.
That said, Texas is hardly out of the picture. In fact, the Longhorns now have their own chance to swing the momentum back in their direction when they face No.
1 Ohio State on Saturday night. It’s a huge stage for Steve Sarkisian’s team, which is looking not only to avenge last year’s loss in Columbus and potentially claim the top ranking, but also to keep Royal firmly in the fold.
Royal still has “a lot of love for Texas,” and “loves what they offer on and off the field,” according to Wiltfong. He also values what Sarkisian has built there.
So while LSU has clearly made this a real fight, Texas remains in the driver’s seat for now. The Longhorns have the commitment, and they have the chance this weekend to remind Royal why he gave it to them in the first place.
LSU has the home-state advantage and the kind of offensive showcase that turns heads. Texas has the pledge and a massive opportunity to respond. For now, the safest read is still that Royal sticks with the Longhorns - but this one is absolutely alive.
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