Five-star 2027 WR took in the Gators’ rout of Ole Miss last week, and LSU still has one big hand left to play

Easton Royal’s recruitment just got louder, literally.

The five-star Brother Martin wide receiver was in the Swamp last Saturday as Florida handed Ole Miss a 52-28 beating, the most points the Gators have put up against a top-five opponent since their 1996 national title win over Florida State. It was Royal’s third trip to Gainesville, but the first time he saw it on gameday.

He walked away impressed. Speaking to Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman the next morning, Royal said he could “100%” see himself at Florida. He said the gameday experience beat his expectations and compared the crowd noise to LSU’s, adding that it got so loud at times that he couldn’t hear anything.

The Sumrall Factor

Florida’s advantage in this race comes down to one man. Jon Sumrall, who built a strong relationship with Royal during his time at Tulane, and members of the current Gators staff have been recruiting the New Orleans star since those days. Royal committed to Texas the day before Sumrall was hired at Florida, and he’s been open about it. “Personally, I do favor Sumrall a little bit,” Royal told Rivals after his June official visit. He mentioned that Sumrall has some “Louisiana spice to him.”

Where LSU Stands

Don’t count the Tigers out, though. Royal is still committed to Texas, but he’s kept both Florida and LSU in the picture since committing last fall. Back in July, Royal picked up an expert prediction to flip to LSU, and his June trip to Baton Rouge was his fourth visit to campus since April.

The date to circle is November 14th. Royal is expected to be in Death Valley when LSU hosts Texas, a visit that could end up deciding his recruitment. Having both his current commitment and the in-state program on the same field, under the lights in Tiger Stadium, is about as good a closing pitch as Lane Kiffin’s staff could ask for.

Why He Matters to LSU

Rivals ranks Royal as the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2027 class. As a junior he caught 57 passes for 1,374 yards and 19 touchdowns, and added 377 rushing yards and five more touchdowns. He’s a true speed threat who also runs track, and he’s exactly the kind of in-state blue-chipper LSU can’t afford to let leave Louisiana.

With Rivals reporting that a decision is nearing, the next few weeks will tell whether Florida’s gameday momentum holds, or whether a November night in Death Valley swings it back towards Baton Rouge.

— Eric Palmer, TigerSources