Elite receiver Easton Royal remains committed, but visiting other programs. Texas must fight to keep its star playmaker from rivals circling.
Texas is already swinging big in the 2027 class, and one of the earliest headline grabs came at wide receiver. The Longhorns landed a pledge from Easton Royal in November. He's an explosive New Orleans-area playmaker who quickly became one of the crown jewels of the cycle.
And even with the usual recruiting turbulence ahead, Royal is still talking like a kid who knows where he wants to be.
Royal has made it clear he's not going to remove himself from the recruiting scene. He plans to keep communication lines open and take visits as the process unfolds.
But the important part for Texas is that his commitment hasn't softened, either. He continues to point back to Austin as the spot that fits him best and the place he's most comfortable envisioning his future.
That matters because Royal isn't just another early pledge. He's an elite-level receiver prospect with national traction.
According to 247Sports, he's rated as the No. 4 wide receiver in the 2027 class, a top-25 player nationally, and one of the very best prospects coming out of Louisiana.
That kind of profile guarantees pressure. It also guarantees a steady stream of coaches and programs trying to pry him loose.
And the offer list is already serious.
Royal has been pursued by Auburn, Baylor, Boston College, LSU, Florida, and Tennessee, with more schools likely to enter the chat as his junior season approaches. In other words, the visits aren't going away, and the attention isn't slowing down. Texas will have to keep working.
The reason is obvious when you turn on the tape.
Royal has been a highlight machine at Brother Martin High, flashing the kind of all-purpose versatility that translates into matchup problems.
As a sophomore, he piled up 1,149 all-purpose yards and scored 14 touchdowns.
For Texas, the next few months are about maintaining the pull. Royal's message is encouraging, but modern recruiting doesn't reward programs for getting him first. It rewards programs for maintaining a strong relationship when the sales pitches become louder.
Right now, Texas is still in the driver's seat. Royal's stance hasn't wavered. But with visits on the horizon and heavyweight programs circling, the Longhorns will have to keep recruiting like they're trying to win him all over again ... because they probably are.