Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. Has been named to the 2026 Men’s National Ballot for the John R. Wooden Award, presented by Principal, and administered by The Los Angeles Athletic Club.
A Prestigious Honor
Acuff is among 15 student-athletes now being considered for the Wooden Award All-America Team and the Wooden Award Trophy, which recognizes the Most Outstanding College Basketball Player in the United States. The selection was made by the Wooden Award National Advisory Board.
Voting for the 2026 award will take place between March 16 at 6:00 am (ET) and March 28 at 11:59 pm (ET). Voters will consider candidates’ performance throughout the season, including the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
Acuff’s Standout Season
Acuff’s nomination comes on the heels of a remarkable freshman season. He is currently the only NCAA player averaging at least 20 points (22.2) and 6 assists (6.4) per game. According to OptaSTATS, he is the only player in NCAA history to average 20.0+ PPG, 5.0+ APG, 40.0+ 3P% and a 3.00+ A/TO ratio in a single season.
He is also looking to join Pete Maravich as the only players to lead the Southeastern Conference in both scoring and assists in the same season. Within the Arkansas program, Acuff is the first Razorback to record 5 points/assists double-doubles in a season, and the first to score at least 600 points (666) with at least 150 assists (193) in a single season.
What’s Next?
The Wooden Award Men’s and Women’s All-America Teams, along with the Top Five finalists for the Wooden Award Trophy, are scheduled to be announced on Saturday, April 4 during the Men’s Final Four on ESPN. The winner will be revealed on Friday, April 10, 2026, during a televised broadcast on ESPNU, alongside the presentation of the Legends of Coaching Award to Matt Painter of Purdue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wooden Award?
The Wooden Award recognizes the Most Outstanding College Basketball Player in the United States.
When will voting for the award close?
Voting for the 2026 John R. Wooden Award All-America Team will close on March 28 at 11:59 pm (ET).
Who are the other finalists for the award?
The other finalists include Christian Anderson (Texas Tech), Cameron Boozer (Duke), AJ Dybansta (BYU), Jeremy Fears (Michigan State), Kingston Flemings (Houston), Thomas Haugh (Florida), Graham Ike (Gonzaga), Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State), Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan), Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama), Braden Smith (Purdue), JT Toppin (Texas Tech), Keaton Wagler (Illinois), and Caleb Wilson (North Carolina).
Given Acuff Jr.’s impressive statistics and recognition, what does his nomination signify for the future of Arkansas basketball?
