The sports community is mourning the loss of Ben Christman, a 21-year-old former Ohio State Buckeyes football player. Christman passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 11, 2025, from natural causes, as confirmed by his obituary.
Early Life and Football Career
Christman began his collegiate football journey at Ohio State in 2021, where he redshirted his first season. He played in one game during the 2022 season before transferring to the University of Kentucky. At Kentucky, he was sidelined for the 2023 season due to a knee injury but made a strong comeback by participating in all 12 games on special teams in 2024.
Transition to UNLV
In December 2024, Christman chose to transfer to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), aiming to continue his football career with the Rebels. His transition was met with enthusiasm from the UNLV football program, with head coach Dan Mullen expressing that Christman had “earned the immediate respect, admiration, and friendship of all his teammates.”
Community Impact
Beyond his athletic achievements, Christman was known for his joyful spirit, kind heart, and unwavering commitment to those around him. His family described him as someone who “leaves behind a family who adored him, friends and teammates who admired him, and a community who will forever cherish the impact he made during his brief time with us.”
Tributes and Memorials
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to The Ben Christman Memorial Scholarship Fund, honoring his legacy and supporting future student-athletes.
The loss of Ben Christman is a profound tragedy for the football community and all who knew him. His dedication, character, and the positive impact he had on those around him will be remembered and cherished.
