Madden 26: How to Get Free Champions Like Travis Hunter
Madden 26 Ultimate Team has been off to a wild start, but EA just turned things up a notch with the launch of the Game Time program. If you've been looking for ways to add serious firepower to your lineup without spending a single coin, this is your moment. The program not only introduces some of the most unique cards we've seen all year, but it also gives players the chance to unlock two champions for free, including an 87 overall Travis Hunter.
In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about the program: how it works, why Travis Hunter is a must-have, which cards to pick early on, how to earn and use Game Time tokens, and the best strategies for grinding solo challenges, field pass rewards, and events. By the end, you'll know exactly how to maximize your rewards and build a stacked lineup at no cost.
The Headliner: Travis Hunter
The Game Time program kicked off with a bang by introducing an 87 overall Travis Hunter card that looks downright ridiculous for this stage of Madden 26. On the surface, his cornerback stats are already strong:
88 Speed
89 Acceleration
85 Zone Coverage
85 Man Coverage
For an early-game CB, that's elite. But the real kicker is what lies beneath the surface.
Iron Man Ability
Hunter comes with a baked-in custom ability called Iron Man, which costs zero AP. This ability lets players ignore penalties when lining up outside their primary position. Translation: you can move Hunter to wide receiver without worrying about stat reductions.
And the craziest part? He's built to do it. His WR stats include:
88 Deep Route Running
85 Medium Route Running
85 Short Route Running
88 Catching
He's essentially a two-way superstar right out of the gate, and that flexibility alone makes him one of the most valuable cards in the game.
Dynamic Speed Boosts
Every Game Time card comes with a live upgrade mechanic: if their real-life team wins on Sunday, the card gets +1 Speed. For Travis Hunter, that means he could quickly jump into the 89-90 speed range, making him nearly unstoppable in either role.
The Free Path: Matthew Golden and Tokens
Before you dive into chasing Hunter or other champions, the first step is claiming your Game Time Welcome Pack. Inside, you'll make a critical choice.
Don't Mess This Up: Pick Matthew Golden
The standout option is Matthew Golden, who starts with 87 speed and can upgrade to 88 speed with tokens. EA has set him up to be a budget-friendly weapon that slots straight into most MUT lineups.
Unlike past programs, Golden is immediately usable, and his progression system keeps him relevant.
Upgrading with Tokens
Golden, like other Game Time cards, requires Game Time tokens to upgrade. To max him out, you'll eventually need seven tokens, though just four gets him to his best version with 88 speed.
So, how do you collect these tokens?
How to Earn Game Time Tokens
Tokens are the backbone of the program, and thankfully, there are multiple free ways to earn them.
1. Game Time Field Pass
The field pass includes four free tokens at these checkpoints:
Level 4
Level 8
Level 12
Level 16
Grinding the field pass means playing challenges, completing sets, and hitting stats milestones. Each step not only gets you tokens but also smaller rewards like packs and Madden 26 coins.
2. Solo Challenges
The solos add two more tokens at:
Tier 4
Tier 8
This puts you at six total, which is enough to max out Golden for practical use. EA will likely release the seventh token later in the program, possibly in part two.
3. Events and Sets
Tokens are also tied into the new Game Time head-to-head events. While more competitive, these events provide a chance to earn flawless packs and eventually unlock a free champion token-your ticket to Travis Hunter without spending a dime.
Game Time Events: The Road to Free Champions
The biggest grind in the program comes from the Times Up events, a new set of head-to-head competitions.
Two Event Types
Times Up Showcase: Win five matches for escalating flawless packs.
Times Up Head: Same structure but with better rewards.
The Head event is the better option if you can field the right lineup.
Lineup Requirements
To enter, you need:
Two 82+ Game Time players
Two 84+ Game Time players
This can be tricky early on, but here's the tip: focus on taking BND rewards from packs and solos. Even if you don't plan on starting those cards long-term, they'll help meet the requirements without draining your coin stack.
Rewards Structure
If you can go flawless (5-0), you'll receive escalating packs. The exact rewards scale the more times you achieve perfection, but the endgame is a champion token to redeem for Travis Hunter (or another Game Time champion).
For context, most players will need to go 5-0 about five times. It's a grind, but along the way, you'll rack up 82+ and 84+ packs, coin rewards, and more.Profit Potential in Sets
If you're looking to make coins while chasing tokens, the sets system offers opportunities.
82 Overall Players: Snipe them for around 33-34k.
84 Overall Game Time Set: Costs ~100-105k to complete.
Resale Value: 84s are currently selling for 115-120k.
Even if margins are thin, it's a reliable way to complete set missions while breaking even or making a small profit.
Strategy for Maximizing Free Rewards
Here's a step-by-step plan to walk away with two free champions:
1.Claim Welcome Pack → Pick Matthew Golden.
2.Play Solos → Earn two tokens + starter packs.
3.Grind Field Pass → Earn four more tokens.
4.Upgrade Golden → Get him to 87 OVR and 88 speed.
5.Complete Sets → Progress missions and maybe profit.
6.Stockpile BND Cards → Use them to meet event requirements.
7.Play Times Up Events → Go flawless five times to secure a champion token.
8.Redeem for Travis Hunter → Pair him with Golden and you've got two top-tier players at no cost.
Why This Program Matters
The Game Time program feels like EA finally throwing MUT players a bone. Too often, programs lock the best cards behind heavy paywalls, but here, with some effort, anyone can get elite-level talent for free.
Travis Hunter is versatile enough to impact both sides of the ball.
Matthew Golden provides instant WR depth with strong speed.
The live speed boosts tied to NFL games keep the cards dynamic and exciting.
Add in the ability to grind solos, field passes, and competitive events without breaking your coin bank, and this program is shaping up to be one of the most rewarding early-game drops in Madden history.
Final Thoughts
If you're serious about competing in Madden 26 Ultimate Team, the Game Time program is non-negotiable. Between Travis Hunter's Iron Man ability, Matthew Golden's upgrade path, and the slew of free tokens, packs, and coins available, this is your chance to supercharge your squad without touching your wallet.
Yes, the grind for flawless event runs will test your patience (and skill), but the payoff-two free champions-is more than worth it. Smart players will take advantage of BND picks, efficient set building, and steady field pass grinding to maximize every ounce of value from the program.
Bottom line: don't miss this one. Programs like this set the tone for the MUT season, and the players who lock in now will be miles ahead when the competition heats up later in the year.
MMOexp Madden 26 Team