BREAKING: PJ Takitaki Commits to BYU Over Tennessee, Oregon, and Three Other Power Programs
In a major recruiting win for Kalani Sitake and the BYU Cougars, four-star linebacker PJ Takitaki has announced his commitment to Brigham Young University, choosing the Cougars over a slew of Power Five programs including Tennessee, Oregon, UCLA, Utah, and Michigan State. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound prospect from Southern California becomes one of the cornerstone pieces of BYUโs 2026 recruiting class.
Takitaki, ranked as a top-15 linebacker nationally by multiple recruiting services, made his decision public on Sunday via a video posted to social media. Surrounded by family and friends in a ceremony at his high school gym, the standout defender put on a navy blue BYU hat and flashed a smile, signaling the end of a competitive recruitment process.
โI felt like BYU was home,โ Takitaki said. โCoach Sitake and the staff have built something special in Provo. Itโs a place where I can grow as a player, as a student, and as a person. They kept it real with me from day one.โ
Takitakiโs commitment is particularly meaningful for BYU fans, as he is the younger cousin of former Cougars star and current Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki. The family legacy played a role, but PJ emphasized that this was ultimately his decision.
โIโve always looked up to Sione, but this wasnโt just about family,โ PJ said. โItโs about my future. BYUโs system fits me. The coaches believe in me, and I believe in what theyโre building.โ
A physical, instinctive linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range, Takitaki is known for his high football IQ and leadership qualities. He recorded 110 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions in his junior season at Mater Dei High Schoolโarguably one of the most competitive prep programs in the country.
BYU linebackers coach Justin Ena was instrumental in securing Takitakiโs commitment. Sources close to the recruitment noted that Ena and Sitake made Takitaki feel like a priority throughout the process, often visiting his high school and maintaining weekly communication.
โCoach Ena was huge,โ said PJโs father, Tevita Takitaki. โHe didnโt just talk footballโhe talked life, culture, and faith. That meant something to us as a family.โ
Landing Takitaki is a major statement for BYU as it continues its transition into the Big 12. Beating out programs like Oregon and Tennessee for a nationally ranked linebacker reflects the growing national credibility of the Cougarsโ recruiting efforts.
With Takitaki now in the fold, BYUโs 2026 class is gaining momentum. He joins fellow four-star defensive end Makoa Thompson and three-star offensive lineman Josh Faโalogo as key early pledges. More importantly, his commitment could influence other Polynesian athletes in the West to take a closer look at BYU.
As Takitaki put it best in closing: โItโs bigger than football. Itโs about faith, family, and the future. And for me, that future is at BYU.โ
The Cougars just landed a game-changerโon the field and in the locker room.
