ESPN analysts rank Darius Acuff Jr. among Freshman of the Year contenders
By David Wasson
Published:
The 2025-26 college basketball season has delivered plenty of strong candidates for Freshman of the Year, with Kansas star guard Darryn Peterson and Duke standout forward Cameron Boozer among the top contenders.
ESPN analysts Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf offered a ranking of the Top 10 standout freshmen hoopers from around the country – a list that includes Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 3.
Here is what Borzello had to say about Acuff:
Acuff has been sensational lately, playing himself into the top 10 of NBA mock drafts. He’s also making a genuine push for SEC Player of the Year honors, leading the league in both scoring and assists in conference games. Last weekend, he had arguably his best performance of the season, finishing with 31 points, seven assists and just one turnover, while making a season-high seven 3-pointers. In his previous six games entering the week, Acuff was averaging eye-popping numbers: 26.2 points, 6.5 assists, 1.7 turnovers — while shooting 50% from beyond the arc.
Acuff has been a star for the Razorbacks (19-6 overall, 9-3 SEC) this season – delivering 21.2 points, 6.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game. Acuff tied his season high of 31 points against Auburn last Saturday, a mark he set Jan. 24 against LSU. Acuff has three points-assists double-doubles this season for the Razorbacks, two of which have come in SEC play.
No. 20 Arkansas takes on No. 25 Alabama in Tuscaloosa tonight (7 pm, ESPN). Acuff will need to have a big game if Arkansas is going to pull off the upset. Here’s how the Kalshi marketplace sees the game prior to tip-off:
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
