Hey MUT community! This week’s top 10 list is focused on the AKA New Class program. This program featured some of the most ridiculously overpowered players because of their automatic X-Factor abilities. If you didn’t know, as of this week, you are now able to earn a free AKA New Class player of your choice by completing all of the AKA challenges.
You’ll notice this week’s list is broken into three sections: the Freight Train/Phenom HBs, the best Unstoppable Force pass-rushers, and then everyone else. The first two groups represent some of the most impactful players in all of MUT. Let’s jump in.
Top 10 AKA New Class Players in MUT 23
1. 98 OVR Gus The Bus (HB)
We know this is a controversial pick as a lot of you with Flash would argue that he deserves the top spot. We went with Gus The Bus because of his size (238 lbs.) and the versatility of his abilities. His special Freight Train X-Factor ability that costs just 1 AP is active for 5 plays, then inactive for 3 plays, for the entire game. On top of that, Gus The Bus gets Backfield Master for 0 AP at the same time as either Bruiser, Goal Line Back, or Short In Elite for 0 AP as well. You could build him as a pure runner with Bruiser or Goal Line Back, or get him involved in the passing game with Short In Elite, which makes Backfield Master even more powerful.
2. 98 OVR Flash (HB)
Flash’s best special X-Factor is his own version of Phenom. It is our understanding that the Phenom ability is the same as Bo Knows from last season but renamed to be applied to other players. It feels like a combination of Freight Train and First One Free with its ability to break or evade tackles. It has the same activation/deactivation conditions as Gus The Bus’s Freight Train ability (5 plays on, 3 plays off). Phenom also triggers after a catch, so if you target your HB in the passing game as a significant part of your offense, Flash is probably the better player for you. Flash also can equip your choice of Backfield Master, Evasive, or Short In Elite for 0 AP.
3. 96 OVR Quadfather
Quadfather was the HB that started it all for the AKA New Class program. He was so powerful that EA had to nerf him. He led our top 10 HBs list back in early February to no one's surprise. What makes Quadfather unique is that his Freight Train X-Factor ability (2 AP) starts the game activated, and requires 1-2 tackles for loss to deactivate (depending on if you also have the Persistent ability equipped). Stopping the Quadfather has led to a lot of frustration in the MUT community over the past two months.
4. 98 OVR Groot (LE)
Now that we’ve covered the best running backs, it’s time to look at the AKA pass-rushers. Groot is our favorite. He gets the Unstoppable Force X-Factor ability (1 AP) that is active for 5 plays and then inactive for 3 plays. This cycle repeats for the entire game. As if he needed any more help getting to opposing QBs, Groot has 94 speed, 96 acceleration, 98 power moves, and can equip Double or Nothing for 0 AP.
Update: As a few of you guys pointed out in the comments, Groot's Unstoppable Force is active for 5 plays and then inactive for 5 plays. Furious George is the only Unstoppable Force that's active for 5 plays and then inactive for 3 plays. We missed that detail in our analysis this week.
5. 98 OVR Furious George (LE)
Furious George has the same Unstoppable Force X-Factor ability as Groot and he can also equip Double or Nothing for 0 AP. They’re almost the same player. If you run a theme team, keep in mind Furious George gets chemistry for the following teams: 49ers, Broncos, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Chiefs, Giants, Jaguars, Packers, Saints, Seahawks, and Vikings. These represent the teams that played a game overseas this season. Karlaftis’s last item was his international TOTW item. He was selected because he was born in Athens, Greece.
6. 98 OVR Maniac (LOLB)
Maniac has the same Unstoppable Force ability as Groot and Furious George. Unfortunately, he can’t also equip Double or Nothing for free like they can. His 0 AP bucket includes the following choices: Inside Stuff, Lurker, No Outsiders, and Run Stopper. The good news for those of you that run a theme team is that Maniac gets chemistry for all 32 NFL teams as his last item was part of the BHM program.
7. 96 OVR Red Tornado (C)
Red Tornado was part of the very first AKA New Class release back on January 16th and he’s still a great option at center today. He can equip Secure Protector and Post Up for 1 AP total, one of the best ability combinations for his position. His motivator chemistry boosts both of your guards with the following: +7 AGI, +4 SPD, +7 ACC, +1 RBF, and +1 PBF. This can make a big difference, especially on pulling-guard runs where mobility is so important. Even if you eventually pick up a better center, you can slide Red Tornado down the depth chart to backup center and his motivator chem will still apply.
8. 97 OVR Hit Man (SS)
Hit Man is a great option to run in the box as a SUBLB. He has 96 speed, 98 hit power, the big hitter trait, and his special version of Avalanche can be game-changing. It takes 5 plays to charge up, and then the ability is active for 4 plays. If Hit Man lands a hit stick while running toward the line of scrimmage with this X-Factor activated, he will force a fumble. Hit Man can also equip your choice of Crusher, Enforcer, or Pick Artist for 0 AP along with Secure Tackler for 1 AP more.
9. 98 OVR Legatron (K)
Not only does Legatron have a big boot with 98 kick power after including his +1 KPW boost, he boosts your kicker, punter, and all offensive linemen with the following: +2 ACC, +1 AWR, +1 KPW, +4 KAC. Legatron can equip Clutch Kicker, Focused Kicker, and Zen Kicker for 2 AP total.
10. 97 OVR The Terror (LT)
The Terror made this list because, in a sense, he’s an endgame LT. Even when you replace him with someone better, you can just slide him down the depth chart to LT2 and he’s still able to impact the game from the sidelines. Even as a backup, The Terror gives the following boosts to all of your WRs and TEs: +5 IBL, +6 RBP, +6 RBF, +6 PBP, and +6 PBF.
Give Us Your Feedback
Those of you that already selected your free AKA New Class player from the challenges, who did you pick? What would you do differently when creating your own top 10 AKA New Class list?
Thanks as always to Hodgey and Hurc of the MUT.GG Discord server, along with PIHCAM from Huddle.gg, for their help in putting this list together.
Enjoy your weekend!
