Arkansas freshman guard Darius Acuff is climbing fast on early 2026 NBA Draft projections, with several front offices now listing him ahead of Kansas standout Darryn Peterson, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Peterson has long been considered the premier backcourt prospect in the 2026 class and a projected top-three selection. However, recent evaluations obtained by Hoops Wire indicate that a growing number of clubs are split on the two guards, and a few have shifted Acuff to the top spot on their positional rankings.
Why Acuff is rising: The 6-foot-4 guard impressed scouts throughout the season and delivered a standout performance in the NCAA Tournament. One veteran college scout told Fischer, “Acuff definitely put himself even further on the map.” Arkansas head coach John Calipari also offered strong public praise for his freshman leader.
Peterson battling perception: Peterson’s season was disrupted by injuries, prompting concerns about his long-term durability. “We still have him at No. 1 on the team’s draft board,” one scout told Hoops Wire, but acknowledged the debate is tightening. Speaking to Ira Gorawara of The Athletic, Peterson said, “I was hurt for a majority of it. I wasn’t really myself until the end of the year. So I guess whatever people see in these last games is kind of me.”
With two full college seasons remaining before the 2026 draft, executives expect the competition between the two guards to intensify as both continue to build their résumés.
Source: Hoops Wire
