In a tragic turn of events, UNLV senior offensive lineman Ben Christman was found deceased in his off-campus apartment on the morning of February 11, 2025. The 21-year-old athlete had recently transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, after stints at Ohio State and the University of Kentucky. The cause of his untimely death remains undetermined, pending investigation by the Clark County Coroner’s Office.
Christman’s journey in collegiate football began as a highly touted four-star recruit from Akron, Ohio. He commenced his career at Ohio State in 2021, redshirting his freshman year and making a single appearance in 2022. Seeking more opportunities, he transferred to Kentucky, where he overcame a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. Demonstrating resilience, Christman returned to participate in all 12 games on special teams in 2024. In December 2024, he made the decision to transfer to UNLV, aiming to make a significant impact under the guidance of head coach Dan Mullen.
Despite his brief tenure at UNLV, Christman quickly earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches. Coach Mullen reflected on Christman’s influence, stating, “Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program. Ben was an easy choice for our Leadership Committee as he … , and friendship of all his teammates.”
The university community is grappling with the sudden loss. UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield expressed his condolences, saying, “There is little that can be … .”
As the investigation into Christman’s death continues, the university is offering counseling services to support those affected by this tragedy. The football community, both within UNLV and beyond, mourns the loss of a promising athlete whose potential was evident to all who knew him.