Kentucky Wildcats Land Five-Star Guard Darrius Acuff Jr., Bolstering 2025 Recruiting Class
The Kentucky Wildcats secured a major commitment for their 2025 recruiting class with the addition of five-star point guard Darrius Acuff Jr. The dynamic guard, widely considered one of the top players in the class, chose Kentucky over Michigan, Arkansas, and Alabama. His commitment is a major win for head coach Mark Pope, who continues to prove his recruiting prowess in his second season in Lexington.
Acuff brings a potent blend of scoring, playmaking, and leadership to the floor. Standing at 6-foot-3 with elite court vision and a quick first step, he’s capable of running an offense with precision while also being a threat to score from all three levels. In his junior year at IMG Academy, Acuff averaged 21.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, drawing comparisons to elite collegiate guards like Tyrese Maxey and Cason Wallace—both of whom also wore the Kentucky blue.
For Coach Pope, Acuff’s commitment is more than just another five-star pickup—it marks a continued shift in Kentucky’s recruiting strategy. Pope is emphasizing fit, culture, and versatility, and Acuff checks all the boxes. He’s expected to be a centerpiece of the Wildcats’ future backcourt and could start from day one once he arrives on campus.
The buzz around Kentucky’s 2025 class is growing quickly, with Acuff joining other top-tier prospects already eyeing Lexington as their next destination. His commitment could also influence other elite recruits to follow suit, especially those who want to play with a pass-first, high-IQ floor general.
With the addition of Darrius Acuff Jr., Kentucky is reasserting itself as a recruiting powerhouse under Coach Pope. Big Blue Nation has every reason to be excited about the future—and it starts with Acuff leading the charge.
