Florida · SECEaston Royal gives Florida a five-star win over Texas
The No. 1 receiver in the Rivals Industry Rankings joins Maxwell Hiller after two Gainesville visits.
OCT 11, 2026
Rivals Industry Rankings receiver
All-purpose yards as a junior
Touchdowns as a junior
01 · The NewsEaston Royal gives Florida a five-star win over Texas
On Sunday, Oct. 11, five-star 2027 wide receiver Easton Royal moved his commitment from Texas to Florida, six days before the Gators visit the Longhorns on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Royal, who plays for Brother Martin in New Orleans, is ranked as high as No. 5 nationally and No. 1 among wide receivers by the Rivals Industry Rankings. He is No. 14 overall and No. 2 at receiver in the 247Sports rankings. Florida now has two five-star commitments in the class, with Royal joining offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller.
“It's just way more energy in the air, completely different philosophy, energy in the building, their offense is completely different,” Royal told 247Sports. “It's a lot of new things that they have to offer that makes this staff so great.”
Royal never ended his recruitment after choosing Texas. Florida and LSU eventually became the finalists, and two visits to Gainesville helped move the Gators ahead. Royal attended Florida’s 52-28 win over Ole Miss on Sept. 26 and returned for the South Carolina game on Oct. 10, a 38-19 loss. Sumrall’s prior relationship with Royal also mattered; Royal visited Tulane when Sumrall was coaching there.
“[Florida's] attention to detail and family vibe they give,” Royal told 247Sports. “They are probably one of the only schools that has five receiver coaches. You might think that's not good, but there are no egos, and every coach can provide something different to help you.”
Royal produced 2,095 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior and is an Under Armour All-American. He has lined up outside, in the slot and in the backfield for Brother Martin, while scouting notes praise him as a willing run-game blocker.
“I'm very familiar with coach (Jon) Sumrall. I took a visit to Tulane when he was there. I know he's a winning head coach,” Royal said.
02 · The StakesWhy It Matters
The flip gives Jon Sumrall’s staff a major recruiting win over an SEC rival as Florida tries to build momentum. Texas loses one of the top receivers in the 2027 class after Royal had been committed to the Longhorns since Nov. 29.
03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Does Florida’s recruiting momentum show up in the class?
The tell is whether Royal’s commitment holds Florida at two five-star commitments in the class, with Royal joining offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller.
What kind of role fits Royal?
The tell is his usage: Royal has lined up outside, in the slot and in the backfield for Brother Martin, while producing 2,095 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior.