Arkansas basketball hasn’t just reloaded under John Calipari, it’s reloaded with star power. In Jonathan Wasserman’s early 2026 NBA mock draft, two Razorbacks guards are projected to go in the first round: Meleek Thomas and Darius Acuff Jr. Both were five-star recruits and major recruiting victories for Calipari, but Wasserman’s board places Thomas ahead of Acuff, flipping the order many high-school rankings had.
Thomas, once viewed as the slightly less polished prospect, is slotted at No. 16 to the Golden State Warriors. Acuff, who entered college rated higher by most services, is projected to go No. 21 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s an early-season storyline that reflects how impressive both guards have looked in the preseason and how Arkansas could feature one of the most talented backcourts in college basketball.
Meleek Thomas: Rising Stock and Early Confidence
Thomas, a 6'5" 19-year-old combo guard, came to Arkansas with a reputation as a fearless scorer, but he has already expanded that reputation. Preseason matchups against Cincinnati and Memphis highlighted just how comfortable he looks playing off the ball. He stepped confidently into catch-and-shoot threes, showed a quick release, and attacked closeouts with purpose instead of hesitation. His early reads and decision-making stood out, suggesting he can play within structure just as well as he can freelance.
If Thomas maintains discipline with shot selection and efficiency, his blend of creativity, shotmaking, and athleticism will win over NBA scouts all season. His transition finishing and ability to initiate offense make him a dual-threat guard who can slide between positions seamlessly. Wasserman compared him to Jordan Clarkson: a scoring guard with functional playmaking instincts who sets the tone offensively, gets teammates involved, and rebounds well for his position. Thomas also flashes above-average defensive tools, with room to grow but no fear of physical matchups.
For the Warriors at No. 16, he profiles as the kind of versatile scoring guard they’ve traditionally valued.
Darius Acuff Jr.: The Engine With Room to Grow
Acuff, a 6'3" 18-year-old point guard, is projected to go No. 21 to the Timberwolves. Despite being ranked higher than Thomas during their prep careers, his placement behind Thomas in this mock draft is more a reflection of role adjustment than talent.
In Arkansas’s preseason exhibitions, Acuff showed the traits that made him one of the nation’s top recruits: elite burst in transition, advanced ball-handling in the half court, strong finishing tools, and real playmaking vision. He also benefited from having other creators like Thomas and DJ Wagner on the floor, a contrast to his high-usage role at IMG Academy where he was tasked with doing almost more with the ball in his hands.
With fewer responsibilities and more spacing, his reads looked cleaner, and his downhill ability became even more dangerous. Scouts will focus on his shooting consistency and decision-making, two areas that can swing his draft stock significantly. Wasserman compares him to former All-Star Deron Williams, praising his blend of strength, pace, and scoring potential. If Acuff tightens his jumper and commits to defending at a higher level, he could rise well above No. 21 by draft night.
What This Means for Arkansas
For Calipari, landing two projected first-round guards in the same class is more than a recruiting win, it’s a blueprint for competing for championships immediately. Arkansas should be a top-ranked team throughout the 2025–26 season and a major contender in the SEC title race. The dynamic between Thomas and Acuff will be one of the most fascinating subplots, as both are used to being primary ball-handlers.
How well they mesh will not only determine Arkansas’s ceiling but also influence how NBA teams evaluate them. If they prove they can share playmaking duties, defend together, and complement each other’s strengths, they’ll enter the draft process with an even stronger narrative: two high-IQ guards who can fit seamlessly alongside other stars.
The Razorbacks haven’t just built a talented roster, they’ve assembled one with two potential first-rounders leading the backcourt. And if the early signs hold, this season could be the launchpad for both Thomas and Acuff to hear their names called in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.