Last December in the early days of the 2026 high school football recruiting cycle, the BYU football program received a commitment from Lehi star edge rusher Penisimani “PJ” Takitaki, the nephew of former Cougar star and current Minnesota Viking Sione Takitaki.
In September, PJ Takitaki decommitted from BYU, and on Friday he announced on social media that he has flipped his commitment to the Utah Utes just five days before the 2026 early signing period begins.
His announcement came during the third quarter of the Utes’ game against the Kansas Jayhawks.
Listed by 247 Sports at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Takitaki had also received interest from Colorado, Cal and Minnesota from the Power Four ranks, as well as San Diego State and UNLV from the Mountain West Conference.
According to the Deseret News high school sports statistical database, as a senior at Lehi Takitaki tallied 34 tackles, two sacks and an interception.
Takitaki becomes the 16th high school prospect to be committed to the Utes ahead of the early signing period. The Cougars have 19 prospects committed.