As the Florida coaching staff has been criss-crossing the Sunshine State over the past few days on the recruiting trail, not all of the effort has been contained to Florida. Among the stops the Gators staff has made has been in the New Orleans area, where one of the top-rated wide receivers in the country resides.
Easton Royal is currently committed to Texas, but Florida is doing everything it can to bring the five-star wide receiver to Gainesville.
Florida is pursuing Easton Royal
Royal is listed at 5’11” and 185 pounds. The New Orleans native is the 12th highest-ranked player overall in the 247 Composite and verbally committed to Texas back in November. Royal is a player that Jon Sumrall had contact with while he was still at Tulane, and On3 reported that Florida was making a stop in New Orleans this week to visit with Royal.
When one watches the film, it is easy to see why the Gators are working hard to flip Royal. His speed looks so effortless that even though he seemingly pulls away from everyone, he never actually looks like he hits his final gear. Even when opposing DBs try to give a cushion, Easton blows by them. He can take a basic screen and turn it into a touchdown, and even when there is a DB in the vacinity he can turn into Odell Beckham and make a one-handed catch.
Easton is used a lot like Percy Harvin used to be, and he's used all over the field. With over 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2025, we would agree with the five-star ranking that Easton has been given.
Easton will be one of the first major recruiting tests for new wide receivers coach Marcus Davis, who came to Gainesville with a reputation as a solid recruiter. Davis was instrumental in landing Cam Coleman at Auburn.
All the other big-name schools also have Royal on their radar, and he has not been shy about the fact that he is keeping his recruitment open despite his verbal commitment to Texas. If Florida can land him, he would be a day-one weapon to open the 2027 season with.