Speed has always been the crown jewel of Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns wide receiver room. Under Sark’s regime, we have witnessed an abundance of wide receivers running Combine late 4.2s and early 4.3s, like Xavier Worthy (record 4.21) and Matthew Golden (4.29). Sarkisian might be getting to add another name to the list if he’s able to retain 5-star WR Easton Royal. The elite receiver’s got some serious wheels.

Royal, the No. 1 wideout in the 2027 class, blew everyone away at the Catholic High Tip-Off meet in Baton Rouge by running the 100-meter dash in a crazy 10.26 seconds. Safe to say, Royal literally put everyone on the burners, especially the track stars. He is a clear priority for Texas, because the 5-star has the potential to go even faster.

Easton Royal has been increasing his already maddening speed every year at the same track meet over the last three years. As a freshman, he was 5’9 and 155 pounds and ran the 100 meters in 11.47 seconds. In his sophomore year, he ran 10.68 seconds. Based on his this, it’s not absurd to predict he might actually run 10.1s by the time he graduates college.

Obviously, when you run 10.26 seconds in your junior year in the backyard of one of the nation’s finest spenders, Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers will definitely come ready with a pitch deck. Despite already being committed to the Texas Longhorns, word is the Tigers have made the New Orleans native their top priority and are ready to do everything in their power to make him stay home.

Lane Kiffin has been personally reaching out, texting him daily without a miss. Royal has publicly confirmed that Kiffin texts him ‘often’ to check in and send motivational videos. He even sends simple messages like, ‘Have a good week.’ Kiffin and his crew have already visited Brother Martin High School in person more than once. They are even planning to bring him for an official visit on May 28. And, we know from recent history that Kiffin pulling moves like that has usually rewarded him.

Easton Royal has the room to develop into an absolute weapon. He hauled in 1,151 receiving yards in 53 receptions as a junior, along with 17 touchdowns. As a sophomore, Royal recorded 1,149 all-purpose yards and 14 total scores. With the sheer power housed in those legs, he becomes the prospect to get for all marquee programs in college football. Steve Sarkisian can pat himself on the back for getting his commitment, but there’s no guarantee when it comes to a player like Royal.

Ole Miss is also hot on Texas’ heels for Easton Royal

Somehow, wherever Lane Kiffin goes, his former team follows right behind. Ole Miss should also be a program that Texas has to look out for. The Rebels make sense for the WR, because head coach Pete Golding’s offense is one of the most explosive in the country. That’s why Ole Miss is going after Royal, too, leveraging an overlap with Golding. He is also a Louisiana native, which could be an attractive factor for the elite receiver. But the more important connection is with Rebels assistant WR coach, Patrick Carter.

“[My] relationship with Coach Patrick Carter is probably one of my strongest ones…he has been on me from Day 1…he’s the first one to see the potential in me before anyone and continues to see me develop into what I can be,” Royal told Rivals.

This summer is going to be one long summer for this 5-star. He’s planning to take official visits to major programs like LSU, Ole Miss, Florida, and Tennessee to see if anyone can pull him away from the Longhorns. While Texas fans are hoping he sticks with his November pledge, the “full-court press” from Lane Kiffin and other SEC heavyweights means this will be one of the most-watched recruiting stories of the year.