As March Madness approaches, ESPN's Michael Voepel spotlights eight standout underclass guards poised to make major impacts in the NCAA tournament. These sophomores and freshmen have already proven their ability to handle pressure and deliver in clutch moments throughout the 2025-26 season.

Leading the pack is Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes, averaging 27.0 points per game and drawing comparisons to WNBA star Kelsey Plum for her scoring versatility. Blakes has already posted a 55-point game this season and will face High Point in Vanderbilt's tournament opener. Other top performers include Ohio State's Jaloni Cambridge (22.8 PPG) and Michigan's Olivia Olson (19.2 PPG), both Big Ten standouts who've shown they can carry their teams when it matters most.

Freshmen are making their mark too, with Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez leading the Sooners in scoring at 18.4 points per game. The 5-foot-10 guard has drawn comparisons to Chelsea Gray for her poise in pressure situations. USC's Jazzy Davidson has stepped up admirably in the absence of injured star JuJu Watkins, while Vanderbilt's Aubrey Galvan has earned SEC freshman honors as Blakes' backcourt partner.