darius acuff Ranked No. 3 in Freshman of the Year Debate After Stellar Stretch
Arkansas freshman point guard Darius Acuff Jr. climbed into the national Freshman of the Year conversation this week, landing at No. 3 on a top-10 list compiled by prominent college basketball analysts Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf. The recognition follows a red-hot run that has pushed Acuff into both SEC award chatter and early NBA mock draft consideration.
Why Acuff's recent surge turned heads
Acuff’s profile has surged as he produces eye-popping numbers with remarkable efficiency. Borzello highlighted a recent stretch in which Acuff averaged 26. 2 points and 6. 5 assists while limiting turnovers to 1. 7 per game, all while shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc during that span. A weekend performance that featured 31 points, seven assists, a single turnover and seven 3-pointers stood out as a signature outing that crystallized his case.
Across the full season, Acuff is delivering 21. 2 points, 6. 3 assists and 2. 9 rebounds per game for a Razorbacks team that sits 19-6 overall and 9-3 in conference play. He has already posted three points-assists double-doubles, two of which came against SEC opponents, underscoring his impact in both scoring and playmaking roles.
That blend of scoring, playmaking and improved perimeter accuracy has not only made Acuff one of the most dangerous freshmen in college basketball, it has also elevated his standing among evaluators projecting professional futures. The recent torrid stretch has pushed his name into mock draft conversations as teams and scouts weigh his offensive polish against questions about long-term defensive role and size.
Impact on Arkansas’ SEC push
Acuff’s ascension has major implications for Arkansas’ positioning in the Southeastern Conference. The Razorbacks sit near the top of the league and rely heavily on Acuff to create offense, especially in tight conference matchups. His ability to lead the league in both scoring and assists in SEC play — a distinction noted by Borzello — reveals how pivotal he has become to Arkansas’ identity.
Defensively and on the glass, Acuff’s numbers are more modest, but his offensive production has masked those gaps. When he’s shooting well from deep and protecting the ball, Arkansas becomes far harder to guard: opponents must respect his range, which opens lanes for cutters and roll men. That makes him a true engine for the Razorbacks as they chase seeding and resume building for the postseason.
What’s next: a big test in Tuscaloosa
Arkansas heads to Tuscaloosa to face a ranked Alabama team at 7 p. m. ET tonight, a matchup that will serve as an immediate barometer for Acuff’s standing. A strong showing on the road in a hostile environment would reinforce his spot among the nation’s top freshmen and keep SEC Player of the Year whispers alive. Conversely, a quiet night could cool some of the national momentum that has gathered around him.
Beyond the single-game stakes, Acuff’s performance down the stretch will shape award ballots and draft chatter. If he sustains the current blend of scoring volume, assist creation and three-point efficiency, he could finish the season as one of college basketball’s breakout names — a freshman who not only helped his team but also altered the way evaluators view his pro ceiling.
For now, the storyline is clear: Darius Acuff Jr. has turned a hot streak into national recognition. How he follows up in the coming games will determine whether his place at No. 3 becomes a springboard to even higher honors or a peak in an otherwise outstanding freshman campaign.
