Arkansas Freshman Darius Acuff Jr. Named Naismith Trophy Finalist

Acuff joins 3 other top players in race for college basketball's top individual honor.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college basketball player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, blue, and white conveying the energy and athleticism of the sport.Acuff's dynamic playmaking skills and scoring prowess have made him one of the top players in the country this season.Atlanta Today

Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. has been named one of four finalists for the prestigious Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's most outstanding college basketball player. Acuff joins Cameron Boozer (Duke), AJ Dybantsa (BYU), and Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) as finalists for the award.

Why it matters

The Naismith Trophy is considered one of the highest individual honors in men's college basketball, recognizing the top player in the country. Acuff's selection as a finalist further cements his status as one of the elite players in the sport this season and highlights the success of the Arkansas program.

The details

Acuff put together a historic season for the Razorbacks, setting program records for total points (845), scoring average (23.47), and assists (232). He became just the second player in SEC history, joining Pete Maravich, to lead the league in both scoring and assists in the same season. Acuff's 845 points rank ninth all-time in SEC history and are the highest total since 2009, while his 232 assists also rank ninth.

  • Acuff was named a Naismith Trophy finalist on March 30, 2026.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

A freshman basketball player at the University of Arkansas who had a record-breaking season and is now a finalist for the Naismith Trophy as the nation's top player.

Cameron Boozer

A basketball player at Duke University who is also a finalist for the Naismith Trophy.

AJ Dybantsa

A basketball player at Brigham Young University who is also a finalist for the Naismith Trophy.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A basketball player at the University of Michigan who is also a finalist for the Naismith Trophy.

Eric Oberman

The president of the Atlanta Tipoff Club, which awards the Naismith Trophy.

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What they’re saying

“This year's finalists truly embody the pinnacle of men's college basketball. Each student-athlete has consistently been part of the national spotlight, making this year's race one of the most competitive in recent memory.”

— Eric Oberman, President, Atlanta Tipoff Club

What’s next

The Naismith Trophy winner will be announced later this spring.

The takeaway

Darius Acuff Jr.'s selection as a Naismith Trophy finalist is a remarkable achievement that highlights his dominant individual season and the continued success of the Arkansas basketball program. His historic statistical accomplishments put him in elite company and make him one of the top players in the country.