Ben Christman, a promising college football offensive lineman who transferred to UNLV, tragically passed away at the age of 21. His body was discovered in his off-campus apartment, the university confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.
Christman had joined UNLV after stints at Kentucky and Ohio State. The cause of his death is still under investigation, with the Clark County Coroner’s Office working to determine the specifics.
UNLV head coach Dan Mullen expressed the team’s devastation, stating, “Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing. Since the moment Ben arrived on campus just a month ago, he made an immediate impact on the Rebels, making us a better program. He quickly earned a spot on our Leadership Committee, gaining the respect, admiration, and friendship of every teammate.”
Mullen continued, “Our prayers go out to Ben’s family and all who knew him. He made the world a better place, and he will be greatly missed.”
UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield also shared his sorrow, saying, “There is little that can be said to ease the pain of losing a member of our university family, especially at such a young age. My heart goes out to all who loved and knew Ben. On behalf of UNLV, our deepest condolences go to his family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”
Christman’s journey in football began at Ohio State, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Kentucky. He redshirted the 2023 season due to a knee injury and played on special teams in 2024, as reported by CBS Sports.
Hailing from Akron, Ohio, Christman was a four-star recruit coming out of Revere High School. His death has sent shockwaves through the college football community, and he will be remembered as someone who left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.