Texas Longhorns Visit 5-Star WR Commit Amid Bye Week, Flip Buzz

During the top-ranked Texas Longhorns' bye week, coach Steve Sarkisian is planning visits to top recruits, and the program's biggest focus in the 2027 cycle is 5-star wide receiver commit Easton Royal.

Royal has kept his pledge with Texas since first announcing his commitment last November. The buzz, however, hasn't quieted down with Florida and LSU in hot pursuit of a flip.

That door has remained open, as well, with Royal reportedly set to visit Gainesville on Oct. 10 when the No. 8-ranked Gators host South Carolina. This will be the second time Royal visits Florida as he was in attendance for the Gators' dominant win over Ole Miss last weekend.

Before the prized speedster could visit other programs, Longhorns insider Anwar Richardson reports that Sarkisian met with Royal this week as the recruiting trail heats up.

Royal, a 5-11 wideout from New Orleans who also plans to run track in college, was in Austin for Texas' big comeback win over Ohio State.

According to reports, Royal's next visit to Texas will be the Horns' Oct. 17 game in Austin against Florida. A win over the SEC rivals could be all Royal needs to affirm his commitment to the Longhorns.

Closer to Royal's hometown, LSU hosted the recruit for their season-opening win over Clemson. Recently, LSU coach Lane Kiffin's special assistant, national championship-winning coach Ed Orgeron, was reportedly on the sideline for one of Royal's games for Brother Martin.

Royal is ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2027 class, and the top-rated wide receiver.

According to On3, Royal is one of two 5-star Texas pledges, joining offensive tackle Ismael Camara.

The Longhorns currently boast the No. 6 recruiting class in the nation, which ranks second in the SEC behind Texas A&M.

Texas added 11 commitments during the month of June, including several elite prospects who helped push the class into the national top 10.

Among the biggest wins were four-star offensive tackle Brian Swanson, defensive lineman Kasi Currie and defensive back Montre Jackson. Four-star running back Landen Williams-Callis and Camara turned the class into one of the nation's best.

The Horns also landed one of the most intriguing developments of the cycle when John Meredith III, ranked as the No. 2 player in the 2027 class and ruled ineligible to compete in this high school season. Meredith reclassified to the 2026 class and joined the program for this season.