On Wednesday, the UNLV Rebels football team announced shocking news regarding one of their recent transfers.
According to an announcement from the school, offensive lineman Ben Christman was found dead on Tuesday at an off-campus residence. The family and team have been notified of Christman’s passing. A cause of death will be revealed from the Clark County Coroner’s Office at a later time.
UNLV Football mourns passing of student-athlete Ben Christmanhttps://t.co/9W5cIfXtHU pic.twitter.com/2qBlz1D11U
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) February 12, 2025
Christman played for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Kentucky Wildcats before transferring to UNLV in December. He appeared in 12 games during his two seasons with the Wildcats, primarily on special teams. He reunited with former Ohio State assistant and new UNLV offensive line coach Mike Sollenne, and was projected to compete for a starting role on the offensive line for the Rebels this season.
“We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of Ben Christman, a new member of our football program and UNLV community,” said UNLV director of athletics Erick Harper in the statement. “Ben recently joined us as a transfer student and had already made a meaningful impact on his teammates and coaches. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates during this extremely difficult time. Counseling services are being provided for anyone in need.”
Christman was a four-star interior offensive lineman recruit coming out of high school by all major scouting services. According to Rivals, he was the third-best prospect from the state of Ohio that year, as well as the 12th-best prospect at his position.
“Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing,” said head coach Dan Mullen. “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 had earned the immediate respect, admiration and friendship of all his teammates. Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. Ben made the world a better place and he will be missed.”
This story is ongoing. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
