Arkansas' Acuff Emerges as National Player of Year Contender

Razorbacks coach John Calipari makes strong case for freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. to be recognized among the nation's elite players.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Arkansas Razorbacks freshman guard Darius Acuff Jr. has emerged as a top contender for National Player of the Year honors, according to head coach John Calipari. Despite a slow start against Texas A&M, Acuff rallied in the second half to lead the Razorbacks to victory, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Calipari has been vocal in his belief that Acuff deserves more recognition and should be included in the conversation for the prestigious award.

Why it matters

Acuff's standout performance this season has helped propel the Razorbacks to success, and Calipari's push for his player to be considered for National Player of the Year highlights the importance of recognizing exceptional individual talent, especially from emerging programs like Arkansas.

The details

In the game against Texas A&M, Acuff struggled in the first half, going just 1-for-12 from the field. However, he bounced back in the second half, leading the Razorbacks to a 99-84 victory. Calipari praised Acuff's resilience and ability to impact the game, even when his shot wasn't falling. The coach expressed his disappointment that Acuff hasn't received more national attention for his impressive play, which includes a 49-point performance in a double-overtime loss to Alabama.

  • On February 26, 2026, Acuff had a slow start against Texas A&M, going 1-for-12 in the first half.
  • Acuff's 49-point performance came in a double-overtime loss to Alabama earlier in the season.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

A freshman guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks who has emerged as a top contender for National Player of the Year honors.

John Calipari

The head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who has been vocal in his belief that Acuff deserves more recognition for his exceptional play this season.

Billy Richmond

An Arkansas player who stepped up in Acuff's absence, scoring 15 points in the first half against Texas A&M.

Malique Ewin

An Arkansas player who contributed 8 points and 4 offensive rebounds off the bench against Texas A&M.

Meleek Thomas

A freshman guard for Arkansas who, along with Acuff, made key plays down the stretch to secure the win against Texas A&M.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a little disappointed, and I'm not trying to put more on the kid. Why isn't he in the equation, in the in the Player of the Year in the country? 'What are you saying? Why would you say he's averaging as many as all those people?' He's got six assists, he got three rebounds. He's doing things in the guts of games. Yeah, maybe they are, but he is too. So why isn't he being mentioned?”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks (The Field of 68)

“The last game, I set Darius out the last five minutes of the half, and we went on a 19-6 run with Darius sitting [and veteran DJ Wagner carrying the load]. But, here's what I will tell you. At the end of the game [against Texas A&M], the last six minutes, who did the most damage? Darius and [fellow freshman guard] Meleek [Thomas].”

— John Calipari, Head Coach, Arkansas Razorbacks (Hogs Feed)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.