While life may be rough out on the recruiting trail for Texas and Steve Sarkisian, the same can't be said for Lane Kiffin and LSU. And with that, it looks like a 5-star surprise could be coming soon in the form of Easton Royal, one of the top playmakers for the 2027 class, trading a Texas jersey for an LSU one.
That's because Rivals' insider Steve Wiltfong just dropped a 'Fong Bomb' of epic proportions, with him officially locking in his pick for Royal to flip his verbal pledge from the Longhorns to the Tigers. Wow! This has been in the works for quite some time, with things appearing to reach a new level when it was announced that Ed Orgeron was returning to Baton Rouge. Now, it sure looks like LSU has this flip at the one-yard line.
FONG BOMB: Rivals’ @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for LSU to flip Texas Five-Star Plus+ WR commit Easton Royal🐯
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 17, 2026
Read: https://t.co/wvGojh7npd pic.twitter.com/Pb7Z7zsqPS
Easton Royal potentially flipping from Texas to LSU would be a major win for Lane Kiffin
The timing of Orgeron's hire sure isn't a coincidence. On May 20, Kiffin broke the internet when it was announced that Orgeron was being added to his staff, with recruiting being a focus for the man known as Coach O. A little over a week later, Royal was on campus for his LSU official visit, with Orgeron helping lead the charge with the recruiting efforts.
Royal was fired up all weekend in Baton Rouge for that OV, sharing several pictures on social media. This included a pic with Orgeron, with the two all smiles together. Since then, Kiffin and the Tigers have only increased their efforts here, which has been troubling for the Texas faithful.
What makes things worse for Texas and Sark too is that the Longhorns just missed out on 5-star wide receiver Monshun Sales. There was buzz that UT was going to be able to out-battle Curt Cignetti and Indiana, but Sales decided to stay home after all and pick the Hoosiers. Is a similar ending on the way for Royal as well in terms of staying close to his hometown?
Royal, the No. 1 wide receiver in the country, is a stud for Brother Martin High in New Orleans, which is a little over an hour away from the LSU campus. This is a major pitch the Tigers have been sending Royal's way, with Orgeron doing what he can to make sure the best in Louisiana stay in Louisiana. Nothing has been finalized yet, but Wiltfong's latest update sure has people talking, and it has LSU fans even more excited at the thought of Royal maybe playing for Kiffin and Co. after all.
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