Spring ball started on Tuesday for the Michigan Wolverines, and the updated roster for the spring was also revealed. While heights/weights have not yet been updated, there are a couple noticeable changes from the 2025 fall roster.
We already knew that Oklahoma transfer Taylor Tatum would be starting out at safety for the Wolverines as opposed to the position (running back) he had been playing his first couple years in college. That was confirmed on the spring roster, as he is only listed at the safety position.
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But there was one other position change that we had not heard about yet — defensive lineman Manuel Beigel is now officially listed as an offensive lineman.
Beigel was in Michigan’s 2024 recruiting class and is from Connecticut, by way of Germany. A former three-star prospect, he played in one game along the defensive line as a true freshman before playing in seven games (three on the defensive line, four on special teams) as a sophomore in 2025.
Despite not being a major contributor, Beigel managed to make Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” last offseason, coming in at No. 62 overall.
“A soccer player from Germany who didn’t pick up football until 2020, Biegel redshirted last season as a 6-5, 280-pounder. He has added 35 pounds and displayed “rare traits in both movement and strength and power,” said strength coach Justin Tress. “He weighs 315 pounds and moves like a linebacker.” Beigel has uncanny flexibility in his lower body in his ankles, knees and hips, which is evident in how quickly and deep he goes squatting 425 pounds for three reps, Tress said.
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“Beigel also rocketed up the reactive plyo stairs in 2.64 seconds, best of any offensive or defensive linemen in the program. Former All-American Aidan Hutchinson once did it in 2.57 seconds but he weighed 50 pounds less. Beigel isn’t the only Freaky Wolverine in the D-line room. Ike Iwunnah, a 6-3, 320-pound senior, is just the third player in Michigan history who has done 800 pounds on the combo twist, joining Mike Onwenu and 2022 Freaks Lister Mazi Smith. Iwunnah also completed the reactive plyo stairs in 2.75 seconds (Mazi Smith did it in 2.82 seconds).“
Any position change is notable, but this one is especially so considering the offensive line is continuing to evolve under new position coach Jim Harding. With spring ball being a good time for coaches — especially a new coaching staff like Michigan’s — to figure things out with their roster, Beigel’s position switch could be twofold. The Wolverines may need some help up front offensively, but it also might be his best chance of getting on the field and carving out a legitimate role that doesn’t have to do with special teams.
Clearly there is something about Beigel’s game that Harding believes he can tap into. We’ll see if he can take advantage of his new opportunity this spring.
