Arkansas Freshman Darius Acuff Named Sporting News First Team All-American

Acuff joins Corliss Williamson as the only Razorbacks to earn this prestigious honor.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:14pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff has been selected as a first team All-American by The Sporting News, joining Corliss Williamson (1995) as the only Razorbacks to receive this honor. Acuff, the unanimous SEC Player of the Year, is on pace to lead the SEC in both scoring and assists, making him one of the most dominant players in college basketball this season.

Why it matters

Earning first team All-American honors from The Sporting News is one of the highest individual accolades a college basketball player can receive, cementing Acuff's status as one of the elite players in the country. His historic season has helped elevate the Arkansas program back to national prominence.

The details

Acuff is the only player in the NCAA to average at least 20 points (22.1) and 6 assists (6.43) per game this season. He has tallied 20+ points and 5+ assists in 16 games, the most by any Division I player. Acuff also has five games with at least 20 points and 10 assists, the second most by a freshman in NCAA history.

  • Acuff was selected first team All-America by The Sporting News on March 12, 2026.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

An Arkansas freshman who was named the unanimous SEC Player of the Year and is on pace to lead the conference in both scoring and assists.

Corliss Williamson

The only other Arkansas player to be named first team All-America by The Sporting News, which he accomplished in 1995.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Darius Acuff's historic season has cemented his status as one of the elite players in college basketball, joining an exclusive club of Arkansas players to be named first team All-American by The Sporting News. His dominant performance has helped elevate the Razorbacks program back to national prominence.