Texas Faces Recruiting Test as 5-Star WR Easton Royal Eyes Florida Visit
The Texas Longhorns have been riding high on the recruiting trail, but holding on to elite talent is never a one-and-done deal-especially when it comes to five-star wide receiver Easton Royal.
Royal, who committed to Texas back in November 2025, is widely considered the top wideout in the 2027 class. And while the Longhorns managed to fend off a strong push from Ohio State earlier in the cycle, they’re not in the clear just yet. Now, another SEC contender is stepping into the picture: the Florida Gators.
Florida Visit Back On the Books
Royal had initially planned to visit Gainesville in late January to meet with Florida’s new head coach, Jon Sumrall, and his staff. That trip was postponed due to weather, but it hasn’t been scrapped. Instead, Royal is now expected to make the trip this spring.
Anytime a high-profile recruit schedules a visit to another top program-especially one with a fresh coaching regime looking to make a splash-it raises eyebrows. And when that recruit is already committed elsewhere, it raises questions.
But here’s the thing: Royal hasn’t wavered publicly. Despite the renewed interest from Florida and earlier pressure from Ohio State, he’s continued to affirm his commitment to Texas. That doesn’t mean the Longhorns can relax, but it does suggest that Royal is still very much on board-for now.
Texas Still in the Driver’s Seat… For Now
This spring visit to Florida isn’t happening in a vacuum. Royal also has plans to return to Austin for an official visit over the summer, giving Steve Sarkisian and his staff another opportunity to solidify the bond they’ve already built.
And that bond matters. Royal didn’t just choose Texas on a whim-he picked the Longhorns over a who’s who of college football powers.
LSU, his home-state school, was in the mix. So were Georgia, Michigan, and others.
That kind of decision doesn’t happen without a strong connection to the coaching staff and a vision for how he fits into the program.
Sarkisian has made it clear he wants to build around elite offensive talent, and Royal fits that mold perfectly. His route-running, burst off the line, and ability to stretch the field make him a potential game-changer at the next level. Keeping him in the fold is a top priority.
A Key Piece in a Growing Class
Royal is one of just six commits in Texas’s 2027 class so far, but he’s clearly the headliner. He’s joined by four-star edge rusher Cameron Hall, three-star linebacker Cade Haug, tight end JT Geraci, safety Greedy James, and in-state quarterback Ty Knutson. It’s a solid foundation, but Royal is the kind of player who can elevate a class from good to great.
That’s why this upcoming stretch is critical. Visits-whether to Florida or back to Austin-can shift momentum in subtle ways. The Longhorns have done well to stay ahead of the competition so far, but in the world of high-stakes recruiting, the work never really stops.
For now, Texas fans can breathe, but they’ll want to keep one eye on Gainesville this spring. Because when the No. 1 receiver in the country is still taking visits, nothing is locked in until pen meets paper.