As the 2027 recruiting cycle starts to pick up steam, Texas is already off to a strong start, landing six early commitments and staking out a top-10 spot in the national team rankings. The Longhorns’ class currently sits at No. 9 in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite, and it’s easy to see why. This group blends high-end athleticism with positional versatility, and while it’s still early, the foundation is being laid for another impressive haul in Austin.
Let’s take a closer look at the six prospects who’ve already pledged to the Longhorns and what each brings to the table.
Easton Royal - 4-star WR, Brother Martin (New Orleans, LA)
Height/Weight: 5'11", 185 lbs
Commitment Date: November 29, 2025
Chose Texas over: LSU, Ole Miss, Oregon
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 3 WR, No. 12 overall nationally
There’s a reason Easton Royal is one of the headliners of this class. He’s not just fast-he’s track-star fast, with verified times of 10.30 in the 100 meters and 21.32 in the 200.
That elite speed translates directly to the field, where he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. But he’s more than just a deep-ball burner.
Royal is dynamic at all levels of the field, especially dangerous in the screen game and short-to-intermediate routes where he can turn a quick catch into a big gain.
He’s lined up outside, in the slot, and even taken snaps out of the backfield-showing a level of versatility that offensive coordinators dream about. Add in his potential as a return man, and you’ve got a Swiss Army knife-type weapon who could make an early impact in Austin. With his speed, spatial awareness, and urgency in his play style, Royal looks every bit the part of a future No. 1 receiver.
Cameron Hall - 3-star EDGE, Mansfield Summit (Arlington, TX)
Height/Weight: 6'3", 235 lbs (listed at 260 unverified)
Commitment Date: January 28, 2026
Chose Texas over: LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, among others
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 27 EDGE, No. 296 overall nationally
Cameron Hall is the kind of edge rusher you build a defensive front around. Still growing into his frame-reportedly pushing 260 pounds while moving like a much lighter athlete-Hall has the size, speed, and strength combo that jumps off the tape. He’s clocked a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and brings serious juice off the edge.
What makes Hall especially intriguing is the upside. He’s already a dominant presence at the high school level, but there’s a sense that he’s just scratching the surface of what he could become.
Coaches love his flexibility, motor, and raw physical tools, and he’s the type of player who could blossom into a major contributor as he continues to develop in a college strength program. Texas is betting on his ceiling-and it’s a high one.
JT Geraci - 3-star TE, Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, NJ)
Height/Weight: 6'5", 230 lbs
Commitment Date: December 18, 2025
Geraci brings East Coast toughness and size to the tight end room. At 6'5", 230 pounds, he’s a big target with the kind of frame that can continue to fill out.
While he’s still developing as a pass-catcher, his physical tools and blocking ability give him a solid foundation to build on. He fits the mold of the modern tight end-able to line up in-line or flex out wide-and could become a reliable option in the red zone and short-yardage situations.
Cade Haug - 3-star LB, Kingwood (Humble, TX)
Height/Weight: 6'1", 220 lbs
Commitment Date: February 2, 2026
Chose Texas over: Houston, Nebraska, Kentucky, and others
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 36 LB, No. 438 overall nationally
Haug is a classic Texas linebacker-tough, instinctive, and physical. He’s got a nose for the football and doesn’t shy away from contact.
While he may not have the national ranking of some of his peers, he’s the kind of player who could thrive in a system that lets him read, react, and attack downhill. He’s solid in pursuit and has the frame to add more weight without sacrificing mobility.
Haug could be a glue guy in this class-someone who brings leadership, effort, and consistency.
Karnell “Greedy” James - 3-star CB, Manvel (TX)
Height/Weight: 6'0", 170 lbs
Commitment Date: December 3, 2025
247Sports Composite Ranking: No.
57 CB, No. 589 overall nationally
With a nickname like “Greedy,” you expect a corner who plays with confidence-and James fits the bill. He’s got good length for the position, and while he’s still developing physically, he shows solid instincts in coverage.
He’s not afraid to challenge receivers at the line and has shown flashes of ball-hawking ability. As he continues to refine his technique and add strength, James has the tools to become a contributor in a defensive backfield that values physicality and versatility.
Ty Knutson - 3-star QB, Smithson Valley (Spring Branch, TX)
Height/Weight: 6'3", 202 lbs
Commitment Date: February 7, 2026
Chose Texas over: Houston, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas A&M, others
247Sports Ranking: No. 54 QB, No. 97 overall in Texas
Every class needs a quarterback, and Ty Knutson gives Texas a steady presence under center. At 6'3", 202 pounds, he’s got the size and arm strength to operate in a variety of offensive schemes.
He’s shown poise in the pocket and can make throws to all levels of the field. While he may not carry the same hype as some of the blue-chip quarterbacks in the class, Knutson is a smart, efficient passer with room to grow.
He’ll have time to develop behind more experienced players, but the tools are there for him to compete down the line.
The Big Picture
Texas is building this 2027 class with a mix of high-upside athletes and positionally sound prospects who fit the Longhorns’ system. With Easton Royal leading the way as a potential game-changer at wide receiver, and players like Cameron Hall and Ty Knutson providing key pieces on both sides of the ball, this group has the early makings of a strong foundation.
The class isn’t complete-and won’t be for a while-but the Longhorns are already making noise. If they can continue to stack talent like this, the future in Austin looks bright.
