Darius Acuff Jr.’s freshman season has already checked nearly every box imaginable. Six SEC Freshman of the Week honors. An SEC Player of the Year nomination. A National Player of the Year nomination. A projected top-10 NBA Draft pick.
And now, add one more major accolade to the growing list.
Darius Acuff Jr. Named Midseason Bob Cousy Award Candidate
Acuff was recently named one of 10 players selected to the Midseason Top 10 candidates for the 2026 Bob Cousy Award, presented annually by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to the nation’s best point guard. The award, which has been given out since 2004, recognizes excellence, leadership, and impact at the most demanding position on the floor.
The recognition isn’t a surprise. Acuff was already placed on the Bob Cousy Award preseason watch list, and through 22 games, he has done nothing but exceed expectations.
The freshman guard currently leads the SEC in field goals made (160), assists per game (6.2), and assist-to-turnover ratio (3.04) while also ranking fourth in scoring at 20.3 points per game. His ability to score at all three levels while controlling the tempo has made him one of the most complete guards in the country, regardless of class.
If Acuff were to win the Bob Cousy Award, he would become the first player in school history to do so. Interestingly, current Arkansas assistant coach Tyler Ulis won the award during the 2015–16 season while playing for John Calipari at Kentucky, adding another layer of familiarity and perspective to Acuff’s rise.
The competition for the award is elite. Acuff is going up against standout guards such as Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Purdue’s Braden Smith, and Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz, among others. Notably, Flemings is the only other freshman on the list, underscoring just how rare Acuff’s level of production and poise truly is.
Yes, Hog Nation is still feeling the sting of the recent loss to Kentucky. But moments like this serve as a reminder of the bigger picture. When you have one of the best guards in college basketball, you’re never out of a game, and you’re never far from turning close losses into wins.
Acuff’s emergence isn’t just about individual awards. It’s about setting a foundation. With Coach Calipari and this Razorbacks roster fully bought in, Arkansas has positioned itself for sustained success. Championships aren’t won in February, but they are built by players like Darius Acuff Jr., whose freshman season is already redefining what’s possible in Fayetteville.
The future is bright. And it’s being led by one of the best guards in the country.