New NBA Draft Rumors on Darius Acuff Jr.'s Rise, Darryn Peterson's Volatile Stock amid March Madness

As March Madness nears its end with the Final Four this weekend, it sounds like NBA scouts still haven't finalized their player rankings for the 2026 draft.

NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed that while Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is still the most popular pick for the No. 1 player in this year's class, he's being challenged by Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. for the top spot.

"After polling scouts across the league, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson still tops that list," Fischer stated. "But I've certainly heard that some teams are increasingly torn between Peterson and Arkansas guard Darius Acuff on the board's upper reaches after Acuff's tremendous performance in the SEC Tournament continued into the NCAA Tournament."

Acuff, who was named SEC Freshman and Player of the Year and a consensus All-American, helped lead Arkansas to its first SEC Tournament title since 2000. He dropped a combined 88 points in three NCAA Tournament games before the Razorbacks' run came to an end in the Sweet 16.

"Acuff definitely put himself even further on the map," one veteran college scout told Fischer.

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman predicted in his latest mock draft that Peterson would be selected No. 2 overall, while Acuff was selected at No. 5.

Still, Fischer revealed that Acuff could have the chance to jump above Peterson when the draft rolls around this summer.

"Some scouts I've talked to have even gone as far as ranking Acuff above Peterson," Fischer stated. "It certainly doesn't hurt that John Calipari, for all the concerns raised about Acuff's size and defense, insists he's as talented as any freshman guard that he has coached."