Lehi High School standout PJ Takitaki was among the first prospects to commit to the BYU Cougars in the 2026 recruiting class. The rising star chose the Cougars over an offer from Cal in Dec. 2024.
Despite his verbal commitment, other programs keep knocking. Most recently, on May 18, the Minnesota Golden Gophers made an offer in hopes of flipping the edge rusher.
PJ Takitaki Now on Minnesota’s Radar in Heated Recruiting Battle
The 6’3” and 210-pound edge rusher has already made a name for himself in Utah high school football. Takitaki turned heads with his early commitment to BYU in Dec. 2024, a win for the Cougars.
Blessed to have received an offer to the University of Minnesota!!! @Coach_CJRobbins pic.twitter.com/jZ5Hw1EviG
— Penisimani Takitaki (@PjTakitaki) May 17, 2025
It wasn’t just about landing a top in-state prospect; it was also a nod to legacy. Takitaki is the nephew of former BYU standout and current New England Patriots linebacker Sione Takitaki. So, his pledge to the Cougars feels like a continuation of a family tradition.
However, the recruiting landscape rarely stays quiet for long. On May 18, the University of Minnesota, a Big Ten program on the rise, made an offer to Takitaki. This has started a buzz among BYU fans, who are now wondering: Can the Cougars fend off national programs and keep their homegrown star?
So far, Takitaki is still committed to BYU, citing his family ties and the school’s proximity as primary reasons for his decision.
Yet Minnesota’s offer isn’t just another name on the list. The Gophers are known for their aggressive recruiting, and they offer a platform where Takitaki’s explosive edge-rushing abilities would shine.
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He’s already proven his game-changing potential, including a memorable stretch of three sacks on three consecutive plays in a playoff game. The challenge falls to BYU’s coaching staff, long praised for their local recruiting success.
Holding on to Takitaki will be about more than just tradition; it’ll be about keeping a future defensive star right where he started: at home in Provo.
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