BREAKING: PJ Takitaki Commits to BYU Over Tennessee, Oregon, and Other National Powerhouses in Recruiting Coup
In a massive recruiting victory for BYU, elite linebacker prospect PJ Takitaki has officially committed to the Cougars, stunning college football fans by choosing the Provo-based program over national powerhouses Tennessee, Oregon, USC, Michigan, and Florida. The announcement marks one of the biggest recruiting wins in recent memory for BYU and signals the program’s rising influence on the national stage.
Takitaki, the younger brother of former BYU star and current NFL linebacker Sione Takitaki, is one of the most sought-after defensive talents in the 2025 recruiting class. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, he possesses the perfect combination of size, athleticism, and instinct that coaches covet in a modern linebacker. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, violent tackling ability, and sharp football IQ, PJ has drawn attention from every major conference in the country.
His decision to stay close to home and follow in his brother’s footsteps at BYU stunned many in the recruiting world who expected him to opt for a more traditionally dominant football program. Tennessee, with its SEC prestige, and Oregon, with its flashy brand and state-of-the-art facilities, were considered frontrunners. But in the end, Takitaki cited a deep sense of faith, family, and trust in BYU’s coaching staff as the factors that swayed his decision.
“After a lot of prayer and conversations with my family, I’ve decided that BYU is the place where I belong,” Takitaki announced on social media. “It’s more than football. It’s about values, community, and the opportunity to be part of something special. I’m ready to build something great with Coach Sitake and the team.”
Head coach Kalani Sitake, who has long made family culture and player development the foundation of his program, was elated by the commitment. “We’re beyond thrilled to welcome PJ to Cougar Nation,” Sitake said. “He’s an elite talent, but more importantly, he’s a high-character young man who will represent BYU with pride and purpose.”
The addition of Takitaki immediately boosts BYU’s 2025 recruiting class, already considered among the strongest in recent history for the program. His commitment is expected to have ripple effects, potentially swaying other top-tier recruits to give BYU a serious look as the program continues its transition into Big 12 contention.
Analysts say Takitaki has the potential to be an immediate-impact player at the collegiate level. His tape shows explosive bursts off the edge, tight coverage skills for a linebacker, and a relentless motor. Many project him to eventually become a high NFL Draft pick, with his pedigree and upside drawing comparisons to some of the best linebackers in college football today.
For BYU fans, PJ Takitaki’s decision represents more than just a big name—it’s a powerful sign that the Cougars can compete with the elite in the recruiting world. As the Takitaki legacy continues in Provo, expectations for the 2025 season just got a whole lot higher.
