Not enough people are talking about Darius Acuff and that’s quickly becoming impossible to ignore.
The Arkansas freshman point guard has wasted no time announcing himself as one of the most impactful floor generals in college basketball. While the national spotlight often favors upperclassmen or preseason darlings, Acuff has steadily built a résumé that demands attention through poise, production, and an advanced understanding of the game well beyond his years.
In a Razorback offense loaded with athleticism and firepower, Acuff has grown into the second scoring option behind Trevon Brazile but his importance runs far deeper than points. He is the engine. The organizer. The player entrusted with bringing the ball up the floor, calling sets, and putting teammates in the best possible position to succeed.
A Freshman Running the Show
Arkansas doesn’t ask Acuff to hide in the corner or survive on limited touches. He plays 32 minutes per game, handles the ball on most possessions, and serves as the primary facilitator for one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses. That responsibility usually belongs to juniors or seniors, yet Acuff has embraced it with remarkable composure. For a legendary coach like John Calipari to trust a first year player like that, it means something.
Since the Razorbacks’ last loss against Duke, the growth has been undeniable. Arkansas is riding a four-game win streak, and Acuff’s performance has improved in every game along the way.
Over the last four games:
- Assists: 10, 8, 8, 10
- Points: 17, 18, 20, 23
- Rebounds: 5, 5, 4, 3
He’s filled the stat sheet across the board, recording two double-doubles during that stretch and earning two SEC Freshman of the Week honors. Calling it “doing a little bit of everything” almost undersells it, Acuff has been doing everything at a high level.
The freshman’s on 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZNSgqLz0ZQ
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) December 17, 2025
Efficiency Meets Maturity
What makes this stretch even more impressive is how Acuff is producing. He’s scoring efficiently while maintaining control of the offense:
- 47.7% from the field
- 44.3% from three
- 72.5% from the free-throw line
You’d ideally like to see the free-throw percentage climb a bit, but even that number continues to trend upward. The overall efficiency is staggering, especially for a freshman carrying such a heavy on-ball role. He's not just a volume scorer, he's making the most of his opportunities and the possessions he has.
Perhaps most telling is his decision-making. Acuff is averaging 6.1 assists to just 1.8 turnovers, a ratio that reflects both his basketball IQ and his comfort operating under pressure. These are the types of numbers typically posted by seasoned veterans, not first-year players still adjusting to the college game.
More Than Just a Hot Start
Scoring, passing, and efficiency are only part of the story. Acuff’s defensive engagement, command of tempo, and ability to read the floor have all taken noticeable steps forward. He’s playing with the maturity of an upperclassman, making the right reads, controlling pace, and rarely forcing the issue.
That’s why draft experts are starting to take notice. Acuff has begun climbing into top-15 consideration on NBA draft boards, and the idea of him being a one-and-done is becoming more realistic by the week. If that happens, Arkansas fans may look back on this season as a brief but special glimpse at something bigger.
For now, Razorback fans should cherish what they’re watching. Darius Acuff is still growing, still refining his game, and somehow still getting better each night. He’s already one of the most cerebral guards in America and his ceiling remains tantalizingly high.
The conversation around the nation’s best point guards is due for an update. Whether people are talking about him yet or not, Darius Acuff is making sure they will soon.