LSU Tigers have ‘moved the needle’ in race for two elite playmakers that Ohio State desperately wants
The LSU Tigers are looking to overcome their on-field struggles with some big off-field wins. One way to do that is to steal some top-ranked talent from a main competitor who has become a thorn in their side. The Ohio State Buckeyes are a team as good as LSU at chasing and developing receivers, and […]
The LSU Tigers are looking to overcome their on-field struggles with some big off-field wins. One way to do that is to steal some top-ranked talent from a main competitor who has become a thorn in their side. The Ohio State Buckeyes are a team as good as LSU at chasing and developing receivers, and Brian Kelly is trying to flip the narrative.
The WRU debate is heating up — and LSU is making a strong case to reclaim the crown. The Tigers have taken the lead in two high-profile wide receiver recruitments, edging out Ohio State in what’s becoming a head-to-head showdown for elite talent.
Five-star wideout Easton Royal, the No. 2 WR in the country, has made game-day stops at Miami, Ohio State, LSU, and Ole Miss, with more visits lined up to Texas, Oregon, Clemson, and Florida in November. But it’s the return trips to Oxford and Baton Rouge that have made the biggest impact on the Louisiana native.
LSU recruiting Easton Royal and Miguel Whitley hard
LSU is going all-in on the in-state star, and sources close to the recruitment say the Tigers are now the team to beat.
“The coaching staff is always great to me — showing love and making me a priority … showing me why I’m a need and not a want,” Royal told Rivals. “They call me every week and are trying to make the connection stronger. They’re one of the handful of schools that’s consistent like that — making it feel like family more than just a recruiting deal.”
Royal is now trending toward LSU with a 60% confidence rating, giving the Tigers a major edge over Ohio State in this WRU tug-of-war.
Meanwhile, LSU is also gaining ground on 4-star WR Miguel Whitley, who has been courted heavily by both LSU and Ohio State since the summer. Whitley has long admired Brian Hartline and the Buckeyes, but LSU’s relentless pursuit — led by two St. Augustine alumni — is paying off.
Whitley is set to return to Baton Rouge on October 11, and insiders believe LSU is in a strong position to keep the New Orleans standout home.
“They are St. Aug graduates, so the relationship I have with them is like no other, man. I really could say that they’re some cool coaches. They are fun to be around,” Whitley told Rivals. “LSU is the hometown team, so when I’m there I’m right at home.”
With a 65% confidence rating leaning toward LSU, Whitley is looking more and more like a future Tiger — further tipping the WRU scales in Baton Rouge’s favor.
