Arkansas Freshman Darius Acuff Jr. Wins 6th SEC Rookie of the Week Award

Acuff averaged 24 points and 5.5 assists in wins over ranked opponents Vanderbilt and LSU.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Darius Acuff Jr., a freshman basketball player for the University of Arkansas, has been named the SEC Freshman of the Week for the sixth time this season. Acuff averaged 24 points and 5.5 assists in leading the Razorbacks to wins over 15th-ranked Vanderbilt and LSU, tying the record for most SEC Freshman of the Week honors in a single season.

Why it matters

Acuff's consistent performance and recognition as the SEC's top freshman player highlights the strength of the Arkansas basketball program and the promising future of the young star. His record-tying achievement puts him in elite company with some of the SEC's all-time great freshman players.

The details

Acuff's latest SEC Freshman of the Week award marks his sixth such honor in the last seven weeks. He is now tied with five other players who have also earned the award six times in a single season, including James Robinson (Alabama) in 1991, Brandin Knight (Kentucky) in 2011, Bradley Beal (Florida) in 2012, Jabari Smith (Auburn) in 2022, and Brandon Miller (Alabama) in 2023.

  • Acuff earned his sixth SEC Freshman of the Week award on January 27, 2026.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

A freshman basketball player for the University of Arkansas who has been named the SEC Freshman of the Week a record-tying six times this season.

James Robinson

A former Alabama basketball player who also earned the SEC Freshman of the Week award six times in the 1991 season.

Brandin Knight

A former Kentucky basketball player who also earned the SEC Freshman of the Week award six times in the 2011 season.

Bradley Beal

A former Florida basketball player who also earned the SEC Freshman of the Week award six times in the 2012 season.

Jabari Smith

A former Auburn basketball player who also earned the SEC Freshman of the Week award six times in the 2022 season.

Brandon Miller

A former Alabama basketball player who also earned the SEC Freshman of the Week award six times in the 2023 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Darius has been a dominant force for us all season long, and this latest honor is a testament to his hard work and dedication.”

— Eric Musselman, Head Coach, University of Arkansas

What’s next

Acuff and the Razorbacks will look to continue their strong play as they prepare for their next SEC matchup against #12 Kentucky on February 3rd.

The takeaway

Darius Acuff Jr.'s record-tying performance as the SEC's top freshman player highlights the bright future of Arkansas basketball and the emergence of a new star in the conference.