Penisimani “PJ” Takitaki, a 2026 edge defender from Lehi, Utah, has been verbally committed to BYU since December 17. However, after receiving a scholarship offer from the Minnesota Gophers on Saturday, he scheduled an official visit with them for next month.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 230 pounds, Penisimani “PJ” Takitaki is regarded by 247Sports as the top edge defender in Utah. A standout at Lehi High School, he’s also the nephew of six-year NFL veteran and former BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki. PJ plays alongside fellow 2026 prospect Mataalii Benjamin, who, like him, has set up an official visit with the Minnesota Gophers.
Takitaki is set to visit Minnesota from June 13–15, just days before his official visit to BYU from June 19–22 — a sequence that could work in the Gophers’ favor as they attempt to sway his commitment. With new rush ends coach C.J. Robbins seeking his first high school pledge, landing Takitaki would be a significant win for the Gophers’ recruiting efforts.
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