March Madness is underway and today's college stars have a chance to cement themselves in this summer's NBA draft class. The 2026 draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner  is expected to go in the first round.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Tyler Tanner 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 28 overall, Minnesota Timberwolves

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

It is unusual to find a 6-foot sophomore projected in the first round of a mock draft, but if there were ever a player who has earned that kind of praise it's Tyler Tanner. Despite his size, the All-SEC guard has found meaningful ways to contribute on both sides of the floor. He can score efficiently, dunk, block shots, steal the ball, and he is more than serviceable as a floor general capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. His performance on March 3 against Ole Miss included 34 points (3-of-6 on 3-pointers), five rebounds, seven assists and five steals. It was his second performance with at least 30 points in a 30-day stretch.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft here

Tyler Tanner player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: Vanderbilt
• 19.1 points per game
• 3.6 rebounds per game
• 5.1 assists per game
• 49.0% field goal percentage
• 37.2% three-point field goal percentage

Minnesota Timberwolves 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 28 (via DET) and No. 59 (via SA)

All picks based on Tankathon lottery projection

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyler Tanner NBA mock draft projection: Where Vanderbilt star is expected to land

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