Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. expected to return vs. Oklahoma

Acuff, the SEC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, has been out with a left ankle injury

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:49pm

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History-making Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. is expected to return when the No. 17 and third-seeded Razorbacks (23-8) meet 11th-seeded Oklahoma in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament on Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee. Acuff, who leads the SEC in scoring (22.2 points) and assists (6.4), has been out with a nagging left ankle injury. Oklahoma, winners of six straight and eight of their last 10 games, blew out Texas A&M 83-63 in the second round on Tuesday.

Why it matters

Acuff's return is crucial for Arkansas as they look to secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Razorbacks have been waiting for Acuff to get healthy, and his presence will be a major boost against an Oklahoma team that has been playing its best basketball of the season.

The details

Acuff sustained the ankle injury in a scramble for a loose ball in an 88-75 victory against Auburn on Feb. 14 and has had to wear a walking boot at times. In Acuff's absence, freshman Meleek Thomas erupted for a season-high 30 points and made five 3-pointers against Missouri. Oklahoma guard Nijel Pack, who had 20 points against Texas A&M, is also expected to play after leaving that game due to head-to-head contact.

  • Acuff was held out of the Razorbacks' 88-84 overtime victory over Missouri last Saturday.
  • The Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinal between Arkansas and Oklahoma is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Darius Acuff Jr.

The SEC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, Acuff leads the conference in scoring (22.2 points) and assists (6.4).

Meleek Thomas

The Arkansas freshman erupted for a season-high 30 points and made five 3-pointers against Missouri in Acuff's absence.

Nijel Pack

The Oklahoma guard had 20 points against Texas A&M before leaving the game due to head-to-head contact.

Porter Moser

The Oklahoma head coach believes his team is playing its best basketball of the season, having won six straight and eight of their last 10 games.

John Calipari

The Arkansas head coach is confident that Acuff's return will be a major boost for the Razorbacks as they look to secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We know Arkansas has been waiting, and they are a terrific team. 'Cal' (coach John Calipari) has them playing at a high level. These guys are really, really hungry and chasing right now. We're not done yet.”

— Porter Moser, Oklahoma head coach (SEC Network)

“Every team needs a veteran guy, and Nijel is that for us. Our message is, one stretch doesn't define us. We all stuck with it. It was all about pushing the rock up off us and we did that.”

— Derrion Reid, Oklahoma player (SEC Network)

“The whole plan was to give him some time, let him be closer to 100%, and let's go.”

— John Calipari, Arkansas head coach (SEC Network)

What’s next

The winner of the Arkansas-Oklahoma quarterfinal will advance to the semifinals of the SEC tournament on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Acuff's return is crucial for Arkansas as they look to secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, while Oklahoma has been playing its best basketball of the season and will be a tough test for the Razorbacks.