Darius Acuff returns home as Razorbacks visit Michigan State

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Freshman guard Darius Acuff will return to his home state this week when Arkansas travels to face the Michigan State Spartans, a pivotal early-season test for the 14th-ranked Razorbacks.

The game at the Breslin Center in East Lansing marks Acuff’s first time playing there in more than two years—his last game in that arena came when he led his high-school team to a state championship.

“Very excited,” Acuff said Thursday. “I haven’t played there in about two and half years, since the state-championship game my sophomore year. It’s going to feel good going back. I’m just ready to see everybody back home.”

Acuff, one of Arkansas’ prized freshmen, will have family and friends in attendance for the game, making his first true road trip of the season more personal.

He added, “It’s going to be too many though. I can’t count right now because new people are telling me every day they’re coming that I didn’t think would come … It’s different people every day.”

Acuff, a Detroit native, began his high-school career at Cass Technical High School, where he led the program to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division I title as a sophomore. He later transferred to IMG Academy in Florida, emerging as one of the nation’s top recruits in the 2025 class.

“It meant everything,” Acuff said. “That was the whole thing. That’s why I wanted to win it. Once I got there my freshman year, well I kind of knew that before I went there that they didn’t have a state championship, but to actually be there and win it and bring the school’s first one, it felt different once you actually won it.”

Acuff’s high-school success shaped his approach to competition and leadership. His return to Michigan, he said, feels like coming full circle as he begins his college career under head coach John Calipari.

The freshman guard said he still follows Michigan basketball closely but has fully embraced the Razorbacks’ system. “It’s just great being here. We’re learning every day and getting better. Coach pushes us to be tough,” he said.

Preparing for road test

Arkansas will face its first true road regular-season game of the year in one of college basketball’s most demanding environments. The Breslin Center is known for its loud, close-quarters atmosphere and passionate fans.

“I told them it was kind of crazy,” Acuff said of preparing teammates for the venue. “I don’t think some of them really knew. I told them it’s going to be packed in there. With the fans, they are crazy for sure. … So, a couple of guys know.”

Acuff expects Michigan State to bring a physical and high-tempo game, something Arkansas has worked to prepare for in recent weeks.

“They play real hard,” Acuff said. “They play fast on offense, so we’ve got to get back in transition for sure. But the main thing that stands out is they play really hard and we know it’s going to be a dogfight, so we have to be ready for it.”

He pointed to the Razorbacks’ preseason exhibitions against Memphis and Cincinnati as valuable preparation.

“Memphis was definitely a little physical. I think Cincinnati was a little physical, too. But I think we’re ready for it. We play against each other every day. We’re physical with each other, so it’s something we got to do in a game against other people.”

In Arkansas’ 109-77 season-opening win over Southern, Acuff scored 22 points — 20 of them in the first half — during a rapid three-minute scoring burst.

“I just subbed back in, was back there ready to play,” Acuff said. “I don’t really know what happened. I think my teammates just found me. I think I got three open shots so that was great, and then I got the and-1. I was kind of in the groove a little bit. So, it was just great to get in that groove real quick, felt good, but definitely credit to my teammates. They found me.”

Acuff’s connection with fellow freshman Meleek Thomas has already shown promise. Thomas scored 21 in the same game, and the pair’s chemistry is growing fast.

“It’s great playing with a guy like [Thomas],” Acuff said. “It’s special. He can score the ball any time, anywhere. Just playing off each other, that’s what we’re definitely focused on coming in here. That’s what we wanted to do.”

Looking ahead

He also credited freshman forward Isaiah Sealy, who rounds out the young core.

“Isaiah is a great player. He’s one of the most talented players I’ve seen, so it’s definitely going to be a great year with those two.”

Arkansas will look to maintain momentum against a Michigan State team known for rebounding and defensive toughness. Acuff’s return home gives the Razorbacks’ young group an emotional boost as they face their first road test together.

The Razorbacks’ ability to handle the environment and match Michigan State’s intensity will serve as a measuring stick for how quickly the young roster is maturing.

Calipari’s team has already displayed flashes of offensive depth and energy in its opener, and this matchup will provide an early barometer for how the newcomers respond under pressure.

A strong performance could set the tone for Arkansas’ stretch of nonconference games before SEC play begins, while giving Acuff a memorable homecoming against one of college basketball’s most respected programs.

Key Takeaways:

• Darius Acuff returns to his home state for Arkansas’ first road test against Michigan State.

• Acuff and fellow freshmen Meleek Thomas and Isaiah Sealy are forming early chemistry under coach John Calipari.

• Arkansas aims to match Michigan State’s physicality and tempo in a tough environment.