August 11, 2025
By Evan Lepler
Jeff Babbitt, Boston Glory
Could Jeff Babbitt actually become a three-time UFA MVP by leading the Glory to their first championship? Most conversations about the premier individual award this season have not included Babbitt, who was playing through an injury for much of the spring and summer. But after Saturday’s dominant victory, anchored by Babbitt arguably becoming the single most unstoppable reset handler in UFA history, it feels like he belongs right back in the MVP discussion. He was instrumentally involved in Boston’s brilliant offense, completing all 43 passes he threw and consistently steering the ship with patience and precision. As the Glory O-line gradually worked its way toward the red zone, Babbitt would then shift back into the goal-scoring dynamo he’s always been. It’s been this ability to reinvent himself—from deep cutter to fierce defender to ultra-reliable reset—that speaks to his astronomical value as a leader for his team. Despite technically being the four-seed heading into the semifinals, Boston legitimately looks like the favorite heading into Championship Weekend, and it’s unclear whether any other semifinalist will have any kind of answer for Babbitt. DC sure didn’t.
Michael Fairley, Atlanta Hustle
When your captain hand-blocks your opponent’s top star, it sends a powerful message that lingers long beyond the initial block. When Michael Fairley deflected Travis Dunn’s up-line forehand in front of the Atlanta bench early in the second quarter on Friday night, it completely changed the tone and tenor of the South Division final. Shortly thereafter, the Hustle had their first break, which commenced a string of five breaks in the next six and a half minutes, transforming Atlanta’s early two-goal deficit into a four-score lead. There were plenty of other twists and turns throughout the entertaining four-quarter affair, but Fairley’s block, one of his game-high three Ds on the night, carried a ton of weight as the Hustle finally earned their first South Division Championship.
Noah Hanson, Minnesota Wind Chill
It’s crazy to minimize the entire chaotic Central Division Championship game down to one play, but Noah Hanson’s unreal full-extension layout block—which very nearly was caught for a Callahan—will be the moment that sticks in my mind most after the Minnesota Wind Chill’s epic upset on Saturday night. There were so many other huge plays that helped the Wind Chill prevail, but seeing Hanson horizontal in that instant epitomized Minnesota’s relentless resilience. Defensively, the Chill just kept on coming, embracing the wonky wind and preventing the Union offense from ever fully settling in and finding their top form. Also, there’s something about Hanson in Chicago—remember, he registered a game-sealing layout block in Minnesota’s one-goal win at Chicago in last year’s regular season too. This play was different, though. Between the magnitude of the situation and the gravity-defying athleticism as he soared for the block, it immediately evoked memories of Seattle’s Donnie Clark against Madison in the 2016 semifinals. Perhaps this is hyperbolic and I’m being a victim of the moment, but I think we’ll be discussing and watching this particular highlight for a very long time.
Adam Miller, Atlanta Hustle
I remember being a tad skeptical about how Adam Miller shifting onto the Atlanta O-line would work out for the Hustle this season. Wow, what a foolish thought that was. Playing with the cool confidence that he seemingly always carries, Miller went 43-for-43 on Friday against the Growlers, tossing four assists, scoring two goals, and just always making the right choice to help the Hustle get out of trouble. Like he’s been all season long, he was both steady and spectacular in the South Division final, maintaining possession while also putting pressure on the opposing defense, which struggled to slow down Atlanta’s dealing lefty. To be clear, my skepticism was never about Miller’s abilities; it was more whether his style would fit with the Hustle’s other pieces and how much the defense might miss his quarterbacking savvy after a turn. But clearly, my instincts about this were misguided, and Miller’s excellence is a huge reason why the Hustle are on their way to Championship Weekend for the first time in franchise history.
Tony Mounga, Salt Lake Shred
Things were looking pretty bleak for the Shred through three quarters on Saturday night, but Tony Mounga and the Salt Lake D-line would not be denied. The fiery 25-year-old produced two incredible layout blocks along with three clutch assists just in the final 12 minutes, keying the dramatic 7-2 surge that ultimately lifted the Shred to the heart-stopping one-goal win. “Tony won us that game in the fourth quarter,” declared Salt Lake veteran Jordan Kerr. “The blocks, the assists, the energy. No one plays with their heart on their sleeve like Tony does, and I’m so grateful to have him as a teammate.” For the game, Mounga matched his career-highs in both assists and blocks, with three apiece, but the numbers alone barely scratch the surface of telling the story of his importance and impact against the Spiders in Saturday’s West Division final. Rather than falling short at home in the playoffs for the second consecutive season, Mounga helped to will his team back to Championship Weekend for the second time in the last three years, completely transforming the narrative and keeping the Shred in the hunt for the franchise’s first UFA title.
Tyler Randall, Atlanta Hustle
The UFA’s leader in D-points played throughout the season, Tyler Randall has been an unsung hero for the Hustle all year long. He’s a guy who embraces the most difficult matchups and helps change games with his energy and grit. “His work ethic is unmatched,” explained Fairley, “and for him to step up and have the game he did in our biggest moment is a true testament to his leadership.” Randall finished the Growlers game with three goals, one assist, two blocks, and 194 total yards, matching or surpassing his season-highs in each category. He was a pivotal piece of the Hustle’s D-line that converted nine-of-12 break chances, burying the Growlers with big runs in the second and fourth quarters. He’s not a guy that’s gotten a lot of headlines, but his emergence and durability both have been massive for the Hustle, especially this past Friday with the season on the line.
Austin Taylor, Atlanta Hustle (Pictured)
One throwaway away from perfection on Friday evening, Austin Taylor still went 41-for-42 with five assists and one goal in the Hustle’s 22-18 triumph. Furthermore, his 617 total yards were the most of any player in the league this past weekend, speaking to his ability to make difficult throws and push the pace downfield. He also completed all three of his hucks and worked alongside Miller to keep the Atlanta offense afloat when it got punctured early. Quite simply, Taylor continues to be a force for the Hustle attack, confident, precise, determined, and resilient. He’ll face even more daunting D-lines at Championship Weekend, but Taylor’s presence and polish give the Hustle a respectable chance in every game they play. I continue to feel that the 2025 MVP award remains up for grabs, and Atlanta’s attacking anchor is absolutely in the mix heading into the biggest games of his life.
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