Breaking: BYU Football lands Standout Linebacker

On Monday, Timpview standout linebacker Taani Makasini committed to BYU and linebackers coach Justin Ena.

Makasini chose the Cougars over offers from Tennessee, Utah, California, Oregon State, and Washington State. Makasini is a top-ten in-state prospect for the 2025 class. 247Sports ranks him ninth in the state of Utah.

Hometown Hero 🤷🏿‍♂️@BYUfootball @kalanifsitake @CoachJayHill @Justin__Ena @CoachTyusMoe pic.twitter.com/tRLaOlZlCl

— Taani Makasini (@taanimakasini) July 1, 2024

On October 17th, Taani received his first scholarship offer from the University of Utah. On the same day, BYU linebackers coach Justin Ena offered Makasini a scholarship. Later that day, Washington State presented an offer. Makasini moved from 0 offers to three in one night.

Two weeks later, Makasini accepted Tennessee’s offer. The offers paused until he received offers from California and Oregon State in January and February.

BYU’s relentless recruiting efforts paid off with a commitment. Taani is connected to the BYU football team via his older brother, Sonny Makasini. Sonny Makasini, an offensive lineman, will enter his third year with the BYU football program in 2024. He is one of a few guys who will compete for the final starting guard slot during fall camp.

Lil bro going to go crazzzzy🥹 https://t.co/eKWOJFPRdJ

— Sonny Makasini Jr (@sonmakjr) July 1, 2024

Taani, who stands 6’2 and weighs 190 pounds, is the type of high-level linebacker prospect that BYU should be able to find in its typical recruiting pool. He is effective and disciplined against the run. He enjoys dropping into coverage and has a penchant for getting into passing lanes and intercepting passes. He possesses enough side-to-side speed to be a starter at the next level. He played running back and safety before moving to linebacker as a junior at Timpview.

Regular season Highlights Check em out!! @CoachTyusMoe @ssj_faamalosi @DonnyAtuaia @BlairAngulo @BrandonHuffman @T_BirdFootball https://t.co/eRkcbs9AmF

— Taani Makasini (@taanimakasini) October 18, 2023

Taani Makasini is the 15th and second linebacker pledge in BYU’s 2025 recruiting class, following long-time linebacker commit Tyler Payne. Other 2025 BYU commitments include LaMason Waller, Nolan Keeney, Andrew Williams, Jackson Doman, Cale Breslin, Cole Cogshell, Tucker Kelleher, Blake Bryce, Tyler Payne, Kendal Wall, Ulavai Fetuli, Sale Fano, and Will Walker.