Easton Royal recruiting prediction favors LSU flip

The latest Easton Royal recruiting prediction has the consensus No. 1 wide receiver in the 2027 class heavily favored to flip from Texas to LSU, with Rivals metrics showing an 86 percent likelihood. Insider Steve Wiltfong concurs that momentum has shifted to Baton Rouge under Lane Kiffin.

Brother Martin (La.) five-star Easton Royal remains a Texas pledge dating to late November, but he has kept his recruitment open. Multiple outlets now report that LSU and Lane Kiffin are positioned to land him. For related market and NIL-era recruiting coverage, see our Fintech & Crypto Alerts desk.

Key Takeaways

• Rivals Recruiting Prediction Machine gives LSU an 86% chance to flip Royal from Texas.
• Steve Wiltfong logged a forecast favoring the Tigers, citing momentum since Kiffin’s hire.
• Royal is from New Orleans and said his final decision is expected later this month.
• Texas recently lost No. 2 WR Monshun Sales to Indiana, raising the stakes of any Royal flip.

Why is the Easton Royal recruiting prediction leaning toward LSU?

According to Sports Illustrated’s College Football HQ, Royal is now favored to sign with Kiffin’s 2027 class at an overwhelming 86 percent likelihood on Rivals’ Recruiting Prediction Machine. Wiltfong told SI that momentum has been building around Baton Rouge since Kiffin was hired and that there is “a lot of confidence regarding LSU’s position.”

Yahoo Sports reported Wiltfong’s Friday forecast calling for Royal to decommit from Texas and commit to LSU. Wiltfong described it as a “pulse pick” and “more of an indication of how I think this recruitment will play out,” with LSU holding more momentum.

LSU’s staff, including wide receivers coach George McDonald, made flipping Royal a priority. Royal has said Kiffin is in regular contact and that he, McDonald, and Ed Orgeron have offered technical advice on how he would fit the Tigers’ offense. SI also noted LSU’s growing NIL resources after hiring Kiffin from Ole Miss.

What has Easton Royal said about his decision?

Longhorns Wire reported that Royal responded to Wiltfong’s projection without denying it. Royal said that over the past month he had not talked to a single coach from any school and that he and his mom were weighing pros and cons to make the best decision.

Even while committed to Texas, Royal has spoken about making a “final” decision. He said LSU made a significant jump during his official visit to Baton Rouge and that friends at school are pushing him to flip to the Tigers. He added that Kiffin texts often with motivation and recruiting messages, and that a decision is coming later this month.

How would an Easton Royal flip reshape the 2027 SEC race?

Royal is the No. 1 wide receiver nationally on consensus and 247Sports composite rankings cited by the outlets, and SI called him the top-ranked commitment among SEC recruits. Losing him would sting Texas after Sales chose Indiana. SI noted that adding No. 1 cornerback John Meredith still cushions Texas’ national ranking hit, but Royal’s loss would still hurt Steve Sarkisian’s class.

For LSU, flipping an in-state New Orleans five-star would be a major statement in the SEC. Yahoo Sports framed the expectation that Royal will ultimately stay in Louisiana. The Easton Royal recruiting prediction is not yet a signed flip—Royal remains a Texas commit until he officially changes course—but the reported intel points strongly toward Baton Rouge.