The Twitter page ESPN 1100/100.9 FM confirmed the news with a statement from UNLV Athletics on the passing of Rebels football player Ben Christman.
On 12 February, UNLV Athletics received the news of the passing of a football team member at their off-campus residence.
Highlights
- Ben Christman started his college career at Ohio State before transferring to Kentucky.
- His parents, Brian and Karen Christman, along with his siblings Thomas and Brooks, are deeply mourning his loss.
- His 2023 season was sadly cut short due to a torn ACL.
It was an incredibly challenging day for both the athletics department and the broader university community.
The university hasn’t provided further details because of respect for the student’s family and pending official notification from the Clark County Coroner’s Office.
UNLV Athletics was notified earlier today of the passing of a student-athlete who was a member of the football team at their off-campus residence. This is an extremely difficult day for our athletics department and the university community. Out of respect for the student’s family and pending formal notification of next of kin by the Clark County Coroner’s Office, the university has no further information to share at this time. The University is providing mental health and related support services to those in need. The cause of death will be released by the Clark County Coroner’s office.
UNLV Athletics
Upon hearing the news that the student is Ben Christman, many have expressed their disbelief.
Friends and teammates remember him as one of the nicest people they’ve ever been around, and they honor his kind heart and positive presence.
Oops looks like the post he quoted was deleted. Either way the info is out there now. Ben christman is the player.
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Ben Christman Was An All-Around Athlete Known For His Giant Build-Up
Ben Christman, 21, was a 6’6″, 325-pound offensive lineman from Akron, Ohio.
He started his college career at Ohio State before transferring to Kentucky.
Here's the @UNLVathletics statement on the passing of Rebels football player @benchristman_ pic.twitter.com/dOahT561pA
— ESPN 1100/100.9 FM (@ESPNLasVegas) February 12, 2025
At Kentucky, he played in all 12 games in 2024, primarily on special teams. Ben was a highly decorated high school athlete, a four-star prospect, and a four-year starter at Revere High School.
As a senior, he was known for his impressive 121 pancakes and earned several honors, including being named the 2020 Suburban League American Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year.
Ben was also a multi-sport athlete, excelling in basketball and track and field.
He graduated in December 2024 from Kentucky with a degree in communication.
Known by his teammates as “Big Ben,” his dream job was to be a coach or work in player personnel.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Ben Christman
His parents, Brian and Karen Christman, along with his siblings Thomas and Brooks, are deeply mourning his loss.
The grief is felt by his immediate family and all who knew him, as he was a beloved figure both on and off the field.
Many have reflected on how Ben Christman was an elite prospect through the transfer portal, noting that his personality matched his exceptional playing abilities.
It’s a miserable situation, and people pray to his family during this challenging time.
In 2023, Ben Christman’s season was sadly cut short due to a torn ACL.
However, he remained determined, expressing that he would return healthier and better from the injury.
Additional Information
- In 2019, Ben Christman expressed his gratitude to his parents for their support and for shaping him into the person he became as a Buckeye.
- His favorite family recipe to make is shepherd’s pie
- On December 6, 2024, Ben Christman announced on Twitter that he had decided to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility remaining.
