Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. lands historic shoe deal

Field Level Media|published: Tue 24th March, 13:22 2026

Feb 25, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives to the basket as Texas A&M Aggies guard Pop Isaacs (2) defends during the second half at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Arkansas All-American Darius Acuff Jr. has a deal with Reebok to become the first NCAA men's athlete to land a signature shoe from a major U.S. brand while still in college.

Reebok head of basketball Jide Osifeso confirmed the historic agreement with ESPN on Tuesday.

A 19-year-old freshman for the Razorbacks, Acuff was named the 2025-26 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year after becoming the first player to lead the league in points and assists per game since LSU legend Pete Maravich in 1969-70.

After winning the SEC tournament, Arkansas has reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 4 seed. The Razorbacks (28-8) face West Region No. 1 seed Arizona (34-2) on Thursday night in San Jose, Calif.

The 6-foot-3 Acuff is averaging 23.3 points, 6.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 35 games (all starts) this season while shooting 44.6% from 3-point range.

The Detroit native is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Acuff becomes the first men's basketball player to receive a signature shoe with Reebok since John Wall, according to ESPN.

--Field Level Media

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