As the tournament heats up, the stakes get higher, and for some players, the pressure to deliver goes beyond just advancing to the next round. There are certain players who aren’t just playing for this year’s win—they’re playing to solidify their place in history. These athletes are under the most pressure to not only perform but to define their legacy in the tournament.

Here are the 5 players under the most pressure to step up and etch their names into the history books:

1. Caitlin Clark (Iowa)

Legacy on the Line: National Player of the Year, leader of Iowa’s powerhouse offense, and a force to be reckoned with, Caitlin Clark has already accomplished a lot in her career. But one thing that still eludes her is a national championship. With her incredible shooting range, court vision, and the spotlight firmly on her, Clark has everything to prove in this tournament. If she can lead Iowa to a title, she’ll cement herself as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

However, if she falters again in the tournament’s critical moments, it might leave lingering doubts about her ability to deliver when it matters most. Clark needs that championship to elevate her legacy to the next level and prove she’s the complete package.

2. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)

Legacy on the Line: Jalen Hurts’ journey has been nothing short of incredible—once considered a project quarterback, now an MVP candidate and Super Bowl contender. But while Hurts has proven his ability to be a franchise quarterback, a Super Bowl win is the key to solidifying his legacy.

Despite his superb performance in the Super Bowl last season, a narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs left some questioning whether he could get over the final hurdle. A dominant win this time would silence those critics, making him a top-tier quarterback in NFL history and proving that his meteoric rise wasn’t just a flash in the pan.

3. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)

Legacy on the Line: LeBron James has already accomplished more than most players could ever dream of in his illustrious career: 4 NBA championships, 4 MVPs, and countless records. But for someone of his caliber, every game feels like it’s for the legacy.

In the 2025 NBA playoffs, LeBron will be under immense pressure to win another championship—especially with the Lakers poised to make a strong run. If LeBron can carry this team to another title, he further solidifies his place as the greatest of all time. However, another early playoff exit could raise doubts, especially as the league shifts to a younger generation of stars.

4. Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)

Legacy on the Line: After joining the New York Jets in a high-profile trade, Aaron Rodgers is looking to prove that he still has what it takes to compete for a Super Bowl. At 40 years old, Rodgers’ window for another championship is closing fast, and expectations are sky-high for him to revive the Jets’ fortunes.

Rodgers has had a legendary career, but he has yet to win a Super Bowl with another team. A successful season in New York could elevate his legacy, but anything less than a deep playoff run—if not a Super Bowl victory—could tarnish his post-Green Bay reputation. This is his final chance to leave a lasting legacy in a new market.

5. Duke’s Coach K (NCAA Tournament)

Legacy on the Line: While Coach K is already considered one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time, leading Duke University to multiple NCAA titles and coaching countless NBA stars, his final years in the tournament are under immense scrutiny.

Though he’s already retired, his legacy as a coach remains a subject of conversation. If Duke can have a strong showing in his absence and carry on the winning tradition, it will prove that his system, his philosophy, and his mentorship have truly left a lasting imprint. However, a failure to sustain Duke’s high-level performance in the NCAA tournament post-Coach K could make his departure feel incomplete.

These athletes are no strangers to pressure, but the stakes in this tournament are higher than ever. For each of them, this isn’t just about winning—this is about defining their legacy and making sure they’re remembered as one of the all-time greats. Whether it’s a championship ring, historic performance, or breaking a long-standing record, each of these players has a moment waiting to be etched in history. The pressure is on, and the world is watching.