Player of the Week
Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas Razorbacks
It comes as little surprise that Arkansas standout Darius Acuff Jr., a projected NBA lottery pick, earned our player of the week honor. Among freshmen nationwide, Acuff has separated himself as one of the most impactful guards in the country. In a blowout win over South Carolina, he showcased his playmaking ability by dishing out a career-high 13 assists. The 19-year-old leads the Razorbacks in both points (19.8) and assists (6.3) per game while shooting just under 50 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from three. His skill level and poise make it clear he is built for the next level.
Who’s Hot
AJ Storr, Ole Miss Rebels
After a shaky start to the season, Ole Miss has found its footing with two key conference wins this past week, including an overtime thriller against No. 23 Georgia. Senior guard AJ Storr proved to be the difference-maker in both victories. On Saturday, Storr poured in 26 points while shooting 50 percent from the field, then followed it with a standout performance against Georgia, scoring a season-high 27 points to go along with eight rebounds and four steals. With challenging matchups ahead against No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 4 Tennessee, the Rebels will again rely on their veteran guard to carry the offensive load.
Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama Crimson Tide
Labaron Philon Jr. has emerged as one of the most electric players in college basketball. He ranks second in the SEC and 10th nationally in scoring at 21.9 points per game, and his consistency stands out, with his season-low performance still reaching double figures. Philon delivered his best outing yet against Mississippi State, erupting for a career-high 32 points. His fit in Nate Oats’ high-tempo system makes Alabama a nightmare matchup on any given night.
Florida Gators
After treading water early in the season, Florida appears to be rounding into form. Since conference play began on Jan. 3, the Gators are 3–1, with convincing wins over No. 21 Georgia, No. 24 Tennessee, and Oklahoma. With Boogie Fland, Thomas Haugh, and Rueben Chinyelu finding chemistry, Florida has scored 90-plus points in six of its last seven games. Talent has never been the issue; sustained cohesion could make the Gators the team to beat in the SEC.
Who’s Not
LSU Tigers
LSU entered the new year riding high at 12–1, boasting one of the SEC’s most potent offenses. Since conference play began, however, the Tigers have stumbled badly, opening with four straight losses. The offense has regressed sharply, failing to crack 80 points in 2026 so far. Outside of Max Mackinnon, consistent shot creation has been hard to find. LSU faces a difficult stretch ahead against Missouri, No. 19 Florida, and No. 17 Arkansas.
Jalen Reece, LSU Tigers
Highly touted coming out of Orlando as a four-star recruit, Jalen Reece’s freshman campaign has yet to meet expectations. Despite averaging nearly 30 minutes per game in conference play, Reece has managed just 23 total points over four games, shooting 7-of-29 from the field and 4-of-14 from three. His season averages (3.9 points, 2.5 assists, 31.4 percent shooting) reflect the difficulty he has had adjusting to the college game.
Top 5 Centers in the SEC
5. Quincy Ballard, Mississippi State Bulldogs
At 7’0”, 260 pounds, Ballard brings a rare physical presence. Now a sixth-year senior after stops at Florida State and Wichita State, he anchors Mississippi State’s defense while averaging 7.5 rebounds and 6.7 points per game.
4. Malachi Moreno, Kentucky Wildcats
A five-star freshman, Moreno has delivered a solid debut season, averaging 9.3 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting an efficient 64.5 percent from the field.
3. Somto Cyril, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia’s strong start has been fueled by Somtochukwu Cyril’s defensive dominance. The sophomore center averages 6.2 rebounds and leads the conference with 2.6 blocks per game, making the paint a no-fly zone.
2. Matas Vokietaitis, Texas Longhorns
The 7’0” sophomore from Lithuania has been a major offensive weapon, averaging 15.2 points and 6.3 rebounds. He shined in Texas’ upset of No. 10 Vanderbilt, leading all scorers with 22 points on 7-of-9 shooting.
1. Rueben Chinyelu, Florida Gators
With inconsistency around him, Chinyelu has been Florida’s backbone, averaging 11.4 points and 10.7 rebounds. His two-way impact has kept the Gators steady even when perimeter production fluctuates.