The LSU Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels are set for what should be an entertaining matchup on Saturday afternoon at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Both teams are looking to move to 5-0 in one of the most historic rivalries in college football.
Not only is it going to be a massive game on the field, but it's shaping up to be a big recruiting weekend for both schools as well. Ole Miss is set to host some of the top recruits in the country for the rivalry matchup, which includes a visit from a Louisiana native who LSU is also pursuing with great intensity.
Both LSU and Ole Miss eyeing 4-star WR Easton Royal
Easton Royal is one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2027 class. Hailing from Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, Royal is a 5'11" 185 pound receiver who has already racked up over 30 offers from some of the biggest programs in college football. He is rated by 247Sports Composite as the No. 3 WR in the 2027 recruiting cycle and the No. 22 overall player in the country.
Both LSU and Ole Miss are in hot pursuit of Royal's services, and his attendance on Saturday in Oxford adds an extra layer of tension to the 2025 Magnolia Bowl. Ole Miss has reportedly made Royal a priority as Lane Kiffin continues building his 2027 class which currently features three players. LSU's 2027 class has just one commit at this time, coming from 4-star QB Peyton Houston.
Along with LSU and Ole Miss, Royal also has offers from the likes of Georgia, Auburn, Florida, Miami (FL), Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas, among others. He continues to make the rounds during the fall with multiple visits, and was most recently in attendance in Coral Gables to watch the Miami Hurricanes defeat the Florida Gators last week on Sept. 20.
Royal finished his sophomore season with 1,149 all-purpose yards to go along with 14 touchdowns over 12 games. He possesses elite speed, running a 100-meter time of 10.38 and 10.68, per Athletic.net. Both LSU and Ole Miss have an opportunity to make a statement this weekend with Royal looking on.