Lane Kiffin’s efforts to sway wide receiver Easton Royal for the LSU Fighting Tigers are clashing with his commitment to the Texas Longhorns. The struggle has given rise to steady flip rumors, which the nation’s most coveted wide receiver just dismissed. 

“But the burnt orange cleats tho (emoji),” Royal replied to an X post speculating his moves. 

On July 9, Royal and an LSU fan shared an exchange under an X post talking about his commitment. 

“I spy… with my little eye… LSU gloves. Confirmed he’s flipping. Confirmed I said,” Cristiano Kiffin captioned a photo of Royal. 

The post showed Royal in orange cleats and a helmet, but the LSU fan highlighted his bright yellow gloves, akin to LSU's gold.

Kiffin and LSU have intensified their pursuit of Royal, a Louisiana native, despite his Texas commitment. He has visited Baton Rouge many times. Every visit more persuasive than the last one. 

On3 reported that LSU is still pursuing the five-star recruit, who was left impressed by their growth. In an interview, he shared LSU's pitch to him.

“They made a very big, significant jump,” Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman reported Royal saying on May 31. “They’re very close to Texas now after this weekend.”

The blue-chip prospect was accompanied by several coaches on his last visit. Kiffin and his staff—including position coach George McDonald and assistant Ed Orgeron—told Royal that Louisiana fans embrace him.

“It’s not just the coaching staff … it’s some of the top lawyers in the state, the governor. They’re all behind me. Every fan is dying to see Easton Royal flip to LSU,” the Brother Martin high schooler said. 

In 2025, his junior year, Royal earned 5A Offensive MVP and first-team all-state selection by the Louisiana Football Coaches Association. He gained 2,095 all-purpose yards and threw 29 touchdowns in total. 

So what is the pitch? Royal is destined for greatness. Why not achieve his dreams at home?

“They showed me the energy and impact of what it looks like when all of the kids in Louisiana stay home and are successful, and how much they can do inside the state itself, and how much fans love you.” 

LSU fans are still holding onto the hope of him flipping. Royal, however made a clear statement recently, retirating his stance before backtracking. 

Easton Royal makes a public statement on commitment flip, later deletes the post

On July 10, LSU Football Report, made an X post stating that Easton Royal is rumored to flip in July end. 

“...Also, hearing that Royal will flip later this month. And finally, Texas has put on the full-court press on Sales,” the insider said.

According to CFB Corner, Royal replied to the rumors in hours. In an X post he denied any such development before deleting it.

“This is not true. I haven't talked to any reporters or any coaches in the last month. Me and my family have been sitting down, having numerous talks about my future,” he wrote.

While LSU and its fans are determined to secure the No.1 WR, he is not budging from his commitment. Do you think he will flip? Tell us in the comments. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar