The Tennessee Vols appear to no longer be in the mix for an elite five-star recruit that they’ve been heavily pursuing the last couple of months.

Tennessee is one of several programs that’s been working to flip 2027 five-star wide receiver Easton Royal from the Texas Longhorns.

Royal, 5-foot-11/200 pounds from New Orleans, LA, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 2 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 8 overall player in the 2027 recruiting class. He’s been committed to Texas since last November.

The coveted recruit made some positive comments in May about Tennessee’s offense, seemingly giving the Vols some hope in this recruiting battle.

“They’ve had 800-yard receivers, Biletnikoff winners, draft picks,” said Royal to On3. “They showed me the route tree, how it translates to NFL offenses, in-game concepts, and NFL teams running the same thing this past season. It’s the University of Tennessee, and it’s like a pro team around there.”

Royal was expected to take an official visit to Tennessee this weekend.

Unfortunately for the Vols, that visit is no longer happening.

Easton Royal cancels official visit to Tennessee

On3’s Sam Spiegelman reported late Monday night that Royal has canceled his official visit to Tennessee this weekend.

Spiegelman noted that Royal has also canceled his official visit to Ole Miss.

Florida and LSU are now the top contenders to flip Royal from the Longhorns.

And it’s the Tigers that are viewed as the most likely to pull off the flip.

LSU’s in-state connection to Royal seemingly gives the Tigers a big advantage in this recruiting battle, but the five-star wide receiver has remained committed to Texas despite plenty of attention from other big-time programs.

“Every time I think about other schools, Texas just somehow always re-solidifies my commitment,” said Royal to On3.

As for the Vols, they can now turn their full attention to 2027 uncommitted five-star wide receiver Eric McFarland, who is rated as the No. 5 wide receiver in the nation.

Texas A&M is the favorite to land McFarland, but Tennessee is in the mix after hosting him on a visit last month.

“Tennessee hosted five-star receiver Eric McFarland III for 865 Live over the weekend, and the Vols become one of Texas A&M’s biggest challengers moving forward,” said On3’s Steve Wiltfong.

USC, Ohio State, and Florida are also in the mix for McFarland.