Darius Acuff Keeps Rolling, Earns Third Straight SEC Freshman of the Week Honor
Darius Acuff is making himself right at home in the SEC spotlight - and he’s not leaving anytime soon.
The Arkansas freshman guard was named SEC Freshman of the Week for the third straight time on Monday, a rare feat that speaks volumes about his consistency and impact. Acuff put together another standout stretch, averaging 25 points, 8.5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals across two games - a win over Queens and a hard-fought loss to No. 8 Houston.
Let’s break that down.
Against Houston - a team known for its relentless defense and physicality - Acuff didn’t blink. He dropped a career-high 27 points with 7 assists and 5 rebounds in Newark, N.J., showing poise well beyond his years. He attacked gaps, controlled the tempo, and found ways to create offense even against one of the nation’s top defensive units.
Earlier in the week, Acuff posted a 23-point, 10-assist double-double in the win over Queens, a game that showcased his ability to both score and facilitate. Whether he’s initiating in transition or dissecting defenses in the half court, his command of the game is undeniable.
Through it all, Acuff continues to lead the Razorbacks in both scoring (18.9 points per game) and assists (6.2 per game). That’s not just impressive for a freshman - that’s elite production for any guard in the country.
And it’s not just Arkansas fans or SEC observers taking notice.
“Elite talent, elite basketball IQ, elite pass, tough,” Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson said ahead of their matchup. “He’s as good as any point guard I’ve seen.
He just makes everything easier. He gets guys shots.
He knows when to go; he knows when to change speeds… He does it all and he’s tough, competitive. I’ve been really impressed with him.”
That’s high praise from one of college basketball’s most respected minds - and it’s earned. Acuff isn’t just putting up numbers; he’s controlling games. His feel for when to push the pace, when to pull it back, when to take over, and when to set up his teammates is rare for any player, let alone a freshman.
What makes Acuff’s rise even more compelling is how seamlessly he’s adapted to the college game. The SEC is a physical, fast, unforgiving league - and yet he’s thriving, not just surviving. His blend of skill, vision, and toughness is turning heads across the country.
Three straight SEC Freshman of the Week honors isn’t just a hot streak. It’s a statement. And if Acuff keeps this up, we’re not just talking about one of the best freshmen in the conference - we’re talking about one of the best guards in the nation, period.
Arkansas has something special in Darius Acuff. The rest of the SEC is on notice.