Top LSU Commit Pushing to Flip 5-Star Texas Pledge

Peyton Houston, a 4-star QB, is actively recruiting Easton Royal, a 5-star WR committed to Texas, to join him at LSU.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the dynamic action of a football game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes that create a sense of movement and energy.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity of the recruiting battle between LSU and Texas for top prospects.New Orleans Today

Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian four-star quarterback Peyton Houston, who is committed to LSU, is actively recruiting New Orleans (La.) Brother Martin five-star wide receiver Easton Royal to flip his commitment from the Texas Longhorns to the Tigers. Houston, who had a historic sophomore season in 2024, is eyeing Royal as a top target to join him in LSU's 2027 recruiting class.

Why it matters

Flipping a top-ranked recruit like Royal from a program like Texas would be a major coup for LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin. It would give the Tigers a dynamic duo of Houston and Royal to build their offense around in the coming years.

The details

Houston, a 5-foot-10, 202-pound dual-threat quarterback, revealed his commitment to LSU last fall over offers from USC, Texas, and Oklahoma. Now, he is actively pursuing Royal, the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2027 class who is currently committed to Texas. Houston said he is trying to connect with Royal, as well as other top prospects like Miguel Whitley and Braylon Calais, at every opportunity to recruit them to join him in Baton Rouge.

  • Houston committed to LSU last fall.
  • Royal pledged to Texas in November 2025.

The players

Peyton Houston

A four-star dual-threat quarterback from Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian who is committed to the LSU Tigers. As a sophomore in 2024, he had a historic season, completing 310-of-443 passes for 4,480 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Easton Royal

A five-star wide receiver from New Orleans (La.) Brother Martin who is currently committed to the Texas Longhorns. He is considered the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2027 recruiting class.

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What they’re saying

“For me, it was just a lot of prayer. I prayed to God about the decision. It took me awhile to come to realize what God was trying to tell me. Once I realized, I made the decision.”

— Peyton Houston, Quarterback

“Very active. Every time we have the chance to come to camps like this, I find Easton [Royal], Miguel [Whitley], and Braylon Calais every chance I get. I'm trying, I'm trying.”

— Peyton Houston, Quarterback

What’s next

Houston will continue to recruit Royal and other top prospects to join him at LSU as the Tigers look to build a powerhouse 2027 recruiting class under new head coach Lane Kiffin.

The takeaway

Houston's active recruitment of Royal and other elite prospects shows LSU's commitment to building a championship-caliber roster under Kiffin. Flipping a player of Royal's caliber from Texas would be a major statement for the Tigers' future.