As the Michigan Wolverines gear up for another exciting season, all eyes are naturally on the big names: Elliot Cadeau, Trey McKenney, and the standout transfers like Moustapha Thiam, J.P. Estrella, and Jalen Reed. Five-star freshman Brandon McCoy is also generating plenty of buzz. But if you're looking for the real difference-makers—the unsung heroes who could quietly become fan favorites—look no further than two returning players who might just be the team's secret weapons.

Assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. recently highlighted Oscar Goodman and Ricky Liburd as names to watch. "Both of those guys are names people should just right now pencil in and keep their eyes on early in the year," Boynton said on the "Hail Yes!" podcast. "Oscar's been in our program for two years. He knows our system really, really well."

Goodman, a 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward from New Zealand, may have been buried on the depth chart last season behind a crowded frontcourt featuring Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Will Tschetter. But when he saw the court, he didn't look out of place. In 16 games, he averaged 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in just over five minutes per contest—highlighted by a few high-flying dunks that hinted at his explosive potential. Boynton sees him as a versatile, high-energy rotational player who can guard multiple positions, much like the role Tschetter played last year.

What makes Goodman so intriguing is his blend of strength and athleticism. He's strong enough to battle in the post at the four, yet quick enough to slide out to the wing. After joining the program in January 2025 and spending time on the scout team, he got his first full season of experience last year. Now, with a solid foundation and a deeper understanding of the system, he's poised to make a bigger impact.

For a team built around star power and high-profile transfers, it's players like Goodman and Liburd who often provide the glue that holds everything together. As the season approaches, keep an eye on these unsung returners—they could be the key to Michigan's success when the pressure is on.