The Chargers rookie class had a hand in getting the team to the postseason — and now their playoff debut awaits.
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh summed up what the playoffs are like in his own words.
"It's the coolest chaos of football right from the opening kickoff," Harbaugh said.
The Bolts rookies have all stepped up consistently throughout various parts of the year and will be big factors moving forward as well. And they're fired up and ready for what's in front of them.
They understand the magnitude of the moment and can't wait to hit the field come Sunday.
"Excited and ready to get into it," said wide receiver Tre’ Harris, who played all 17 games. "You work all season to finally get to this opportunity. It feels good to finally get there. Super excited for the opportunity and ready to go."
Oronde Gadsden, who played 15 games as a rookie, added: "I'm ready to take on the challenge and whatever comes with it. I've never obviously played in the playoffs or a game this big, so we'll see how it is."
Rather than nervousness, however, the playoffs invoke a different feeling for the first-year players.
It's one of opportunity and another chance to do what they've been doing.
"I can't say there are butterflies," Jamaree Caldwell said with a laugh. "I'm pretty confident, I just have to go out there and do what I'm coached to do. That takes away the butterflies.
"I feel like I did a good job this year on being dominant," Caldwell added.
Check out the best photos from practice on Thursday at The Bolt in El Segundo!
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
As far as the messaging from the coaching staff, Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman did say there's a bit of that in the week leading up to kickoff.
There's a balance in relaying the importance but also to an extent.
"I think you do need to bring a little bit of extra focus to that, to those young guys," Roman said. "I don't think you need to overcook it, but I definitely think it's something you want to remind them about and how important focus and the all the little things that we tell them.
"All very important messages for them and really everybody," Roman added.
Of course, there's plenty of veteran experience to get a gauge on what to expect once Sunday rolls around.
Whether it's players who were around on last year's team or any prior experience playing in January, the veterans have played a key role in preparing the group for the week ahead.
"It's something they'll have to [experience]," Tony Jefferson said. "You can tell them as much as you want, but they're going to have to go out and experience themselves.
"I don't really know how to describe it," Jefferson added. "It's one of those things where they'll get out there, let the game come to you, don't try to do too much, do what you've done that's gotten you to this point."
Harris recalled some of the things he heard from his teammates who have been there and done that before.
"We kind of talked about it a little bit [Wednesday] at the end of practice," Harris said. "The intensity raises up another notch. The main thing I've picked up from it is we've worked 18 hard weeks to get this situation so don't let it squander away.
"Make every single play like it's your last play," Harris added. "Of course the intensity is going to be up, but so is ours. We're ready to match everybody and go out there and play."
Take a look at some shots as the Chargers host multiple events across Southern California in the lead-up to the Sunday, Jan. 11 Wild Card matchup against the New England Patriots.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers host a Charge Up to Playoffs event on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Happy Does in San Diego, CA.
The message has been relayed — it's a different level they want to get to this week.
"All the players and the coaches are ultra-focused on everything, putting in the extra work and making sure everything is good for the week," Gadsden said. "We want to put the best foot forward because it's a one game season."
Caldwell added: "The [season] in all is serious. But the playoffs right now, that's real serious. The vets have done a great job of helping get everybody ready."
The Chargers rookies have provided a boost to the team throughout the year and paid dividends in Year 1.
Now, they're prepared for their moment under the lights.
"Whatever you've done to continue to be successful on game day, just keep doing that," Harris said about the message this week. "Continue to have the same routine because at the end of the day if you go through that same routine you're going to be successful. We've been doing it for 18 weeks and been successful a lot of those weeks.
"Continue to have that same process, continue to do it with the same process and don't let the moment get too big for you," Harris added. "This is what we all dream of. Just have to get that opportunity and take advantage."
