2026 EDGE Penisimani Takitaki decommits from BYU

Lehi (Utah) three-star EDGE Penisimani “PJ” Takitaki has decommitted from BYU, he announced on Monday.

He was pledged to the local Cougars since Dec. 17. Takitaki is the nephew of veteran NFL linebacker Sione Takitaki, who attened BYU and was a third-round pick via the Cleveland Browns in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Takitaki is the No. 1,028 overall prospect and No. 87 EDGE in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 15 player in Utah.

“After much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to decommit from BYU,” Takitaki wrote announcing his decision on X. “I’m grateful for all the love and support from BYU and my family during this journey. This was not an easy choice, but I believe it’s the best step for me. Please respect my decision as I continue forward.”

Head coach Kalani Sitake and the BYU staff have landed myriad top in-state recruits this cycle. Takitaki was one of the first to join the fold last winter. The Cougars were the second to offer the 6-foot-2.5, 210-pounder, but after nearly nine months of being committed, Takitaki is now back on the board.

Colorado jumped in the mix for Takitaki with an offer last week on Aug. 25. He also took an official visit to Minnesota back in June. San Diego State, Colorado State and New Mexico are other programs that have offered since his initial pledge to BYU.

According to the Deseret News, Takitaki finished his junior season with 59 total tackles, nine sacks and an interception. Lehi is off to a 2-1 start this fall after defeating Kuna (Idaho) 36-0 last Friday. The Pioneers rank as the No. 5 team in Utah, per the Massey Ratings.

Looking at BYU’s 2026 class

The Cougars still have 19 commits in their 2026 class that ranks No. 25 nationally, per the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. That ranks No. 1 in the Big 12 to date.

Folsom (Calif.) five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons remains the class jewel following his pledge on June 24. Lyons is taking an LDS mission trip following his high school graduation and won’t enroll in college until the spring of 2027, though. He ranks No. 32 nationally.

Three other blue-chippers are also in the BYU class: Saint George (Utah) Pine View four-star tight end Brock Harris, American Fork (Utah) Lone Peak four-star interior offensive lineman Bott Mulitalo and Meridian (Idaho) Rocky Mountain four-star IOL Jax Tanner.

The entire BYU class can be viewed here.