Key Takeaways
- Ben passed away on February 10, 2025, leaving the football community in shock and sorrow.
- He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school in Ohio.
- He suffered a knee injury during fall camp and missed the 2023 season.
Ben Christman, a former Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman and a University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) football team member, passed away on February 10, 2025.
His passing occurred at the young age of 22. No further details have been provided about the cause of his d*ath.
His untimely passing has left his family, friends, teammates, and the football community in deep sorrow.
Christman was known for his dedication, hard work, and passion for football, making a lasting impact on and off the field.
Tributes and messages of condolences have poured in from former teammates and fans, all mourning the loss of a promising young man whose future was full of potential.
Following his passing, one of his teammates shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter):
I’m not sure if this is my place to post this but for those of you who remember Ben Christman, he passed away last night. I wanted to share with you all because Buckeye nation is the best and I hope you all could say a prayer for him and his family. Forever a buckeye ❤️
Via X
Another wrote:
Rest in peace Ben Christman. Forever a Buckeye. https://t.co/Lr9bY2KvEH
— Elizabeth ⭕️🙌🏼🏆⭕️ (@osugirl47) February 12, 2025
Christman was a highly talented player who first gained national attention as a four-star recruit out of high school in Ohio.
In the 2021 recruiting class, he was ranked the 124th-best player in the nation, the seventh-best interior offensive lineman, and the sixth-best player in Ohio, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
He committed to Ohio State and redshirted his freshman year in 2021.
Paving the way for a huge future! @BenChristman_ is officially a Buckeye ‼️#GoBuckeyes #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/jJ0avnrMUl
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 16, 2020
Seeking more opportunities, Christman transferred to Kentucky in 2023 but suffered a knee injury during fall camp, sidelining him for the entire season.
In 2024, he was a reserve offensive lineman, playing 23 snaps at right guard (two against Vanderbilt and 21 against Murray State), posting a 73.2 Pro Football Focus grade.
He also contributed to special teams, appearing in all 12 games.
After his time at Kentucky, he entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer, joined UNLV, and started with the Rebels.
Adding force up front 🚫
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) December 27, 2024
Welcome to Las Vegas, @BenChristman_ 🎰 pic.twitter.com/JG1QaVy6Mw
Beyond his athletic achievements, Christman was known for his kindness, humility, and strong character.
He was not only a talented football player but also a role model who inspired young athletes to chase their dreams with determination and perseverance.
Christman’s passing has left a profound void in the football community. The Ohio State and UNLV football programs, along with the broader sports world, are mourning this tragic loss.
His legacy will live on through the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him, as well as in the spirit of resilience and dedication he brought to the game.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ben Christman was born in 2002 in Akron, Ohio, where he spent his childhood.
- He attended Revere High School, where he honed his early football skills.