As the Michigan Wolverines gear up for another exciting season, all eyes are naturally on the big names: Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney headline the returning talent, while transfer portal standouts Moustapha Thiam, J.P. Estrella, and Jalen Reed bring proven firepower. And let's not forget five-star recruit Brandon McCoy, who tops the list of intriguing newcomers from the high school ranks.
But here's the thing about championship-caliber teams—they're often built on the unsung heroes. The players who don't grab the headlines but provide the grit, energy, and versatility that make everything click. According to Michigan assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr., two returning players from the 2025-26 national championship squad could be exactly that: Oscar Goodman and Ricky Liburd.
"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, might not have the flashiest stats—averaging just 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in 5.2 minutes per game last season—but his impact goes beyond the box score. Think of him as a Swiss Army knife: a high-energy rebounder, a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, and a player who brings the kind of toughness that wins close games. Boynton even drew a comparison to Will Tschetter, a fan favorite known for his hustle and adaptability.
"He has an opportunity to be a nice rotational player for us, a guy who fills an energy, rebounding, versatile defender role," Boynton added. "Shoots it well, brings great energy, tough enough to guard multiple positions, so it gives you great versatility in a system that requires it."
Goodman joined the program in January 2025 and spent the back half of that season on the scout team, soaking up experience behind a crowded frontcourt that included Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Tschetter. Last season, he got his first full taste of college basketball, and while minutes were limited, he didn't look out of place. His highlights? A few high-flying dunks that hinted at the athleticism waiting to be unleashed.
As the Wolverines look to defend their national title, it's players like Goodman who could provide the glue that holds everything together. Whether he's crashing the boards, switching onto guards, or knocking down an open jumper, don't be surprised if this unsung returner becomes a name you hear a lot more this season.