Mark Stoops comments on death of former Kentucky OL Ben Christman

The news of UNLV offensive lineman Ben Christman‘s death shocked the college football community on Wednesday.

Christman spent the past two seasons at Kentucky before deciding to transfer to UNLV this offseason. Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops shared his condolonses on social media after hearing of the college football veteran’s passing.

“We are all at a loss right now hearing about the passing of Ben Christman,” the tweet reads. “He was a player who came in every day and went to work. He was tough as nails on the field but off the field he was a gentle and kind soul. He was loved by all of us and our prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Christman played all 12 games for the Wildcats in 2024 on special teams after missing his first season with Kentucky after suffering a knee injury. He previously transferred to Kentucky from Ohio State.

UNLV’s new head coach Dan Mullen also commented on the shocking news.

“Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing,” UNLV head coach Dan Mullen said. “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.”

Christman played high school football at Richfield (Ohio) Revere, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 266 overall player from the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

UNLV announced the news of Ben Christman’s passing

In a statement Tuesday, the school said an unnamed player died at their off-campus residence. No further details were released at the time. The player was later identified as Christman.

“UNLV Athletics was notified earlier today of the passing of a student-athlete who was a member of the football team at their off-campus residence,” the statement read. “This is an extremely difficult day for our athletics department and the university community. Out of respect for the student’s family and pending formal notification of next of kin by the Clark County Coroner’s Office, the university has no further information to share at this time.

“The University is providing mental health and related support services to those in need. The cause of death will be released by the Clark County Coroner’s office.”

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.