Conference championship races are heating up in the FCS now that November is here. With high-stakes games ahead, plenty of freshmen are going to impact winning. Here are nine rookies that could be the reason teams make the postseason.

RB Tariq Thomas | Bucknell | True freshman

Bucknell controls its playoff destiny, with a game against Holy Cross looming in two weeks. For the Bison to make the playoffs, it’ll need running back Tariq Thomas to continue his success after averaging more than 123 yards per game in his last three outings.

Check out this cut by Tariq Thomas for his second score of the day!

Watch: |

— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB)

RB Travis Terrell Jr. | Jackson State | True freshman

Travis Terrell Jr. is lightning in a bottle for Jackson State’s offense, able to make anyone miss. He’s a big play waiting to happen, whether running the ball, catching a pass or returning kicks. He already has two kick returns for touchdowns this year for a Jackson State team with the best record in the SWAC.

Jackson State true freshman Travis Terrell Jr. WENT OFF vs Texas Southern 🔥

174 ALL-PURPOSE YARDS
1 TOUCHDOWN

📸:
📺: ESPN+

— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports)

RB Adam Jones | Montana State | Redshirt freshman

I debated putting Adam Jones on this list because Montana State’s backfield is deep and Julius Davis just made his return. However, that’s also the reason I included Jones. He’s a key part of Montana State’s backfield that can throw running back after running back at defenses to wear them down.

ADAM JONES OH MY 💪💪 |

— Montana State Football (@MSUBobcats_FB)

RB CharMar Brown | North Dakota State | Redshirt freshman

There might not be a more impactful freshman in the country than CharMar Brown. Brown leads the No. 19 rushing offense in the country with 798 yards on the ground and 11 touchdowns. In a Bison offense where running the ball is tradition-like, Brown has fit right in.

The Bison are on the board! CharMar Brown caps the opening drive with a 7-yard touchdown run.

— NDSU Football (@NDSUfootball)

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RB David Avit | Villanova | True freshman

David Avit has paced CAA stalwart Villanova’s backfield. Against fellow CAA playoff contender Stony Brook, Avit ran for 183 yards and four touchdowns on just 13 carries. He can be a deciding factor in big games down the stretch.

David Avit gives Villanova its first lead of the day ‼️ | |

— FloFootball (@FloFootball)

WR Malachi Henry | Central Arkansas | Redshirt freshman

Central Arkansas has two FCS losses and a pivotal UAC game at the end of the season against Tarleton State that could decide its playoff fate. Freshman wideout Malachi Henry is tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns and is second in receiving yards. Henry could make key plays down the stretch to get the Bears a playoff berth.

Second career TD for Malachi Henry puts UCA back in front

— Sam Lane (@SamLaneOK)

QB Kareem Keye | Alabama State | Redshirt freshman

Alabama State’s season was thought to be over after injuries to quarterback after quarterback. However, the emergence of wide receiver-turned-quarterback Kareem Keye has the Hornets back in the race for the SWAC East. Keye’s been efficient over the last few weeks showing steady growth. With a big game against Jackson State looming on Nov. 16, Keye’s performance could decide who plays in the SWAC title game.

Boom! Kareem Keye finds Eric Horn for a 44-yard touchdown to take a 14-10 lead! x

— Alabama State Football (@BamaStateFB)

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DL Andrew Zock | Mercer | True freshman

Mercer has one of the best defenses in FCS football and freshman defensive lineman Andrew Zock is a big reason why. Zock ranks in the top three among Mercer’s sack, tackle for loss and quarterback hurry leaders. His impact could clinch a SoCon championship and playoff berth for the Bears.

. gets in the backfield in a hurry for the strip sack and the Bears recover the fumble! 😤

— Mercer Football (@MercerFootball)