Mark Stoops confirms Ben Christman, Nik Hall will miss 2023 season with injuries

Kentucky needed a lot of help this offseason when it came to their offensive line. However, with the season upon them, they unfortunately won’t be getting any from two of their players in Ben Christman and Nik Hall.

Stoops first addressed Christman’s name not being on UK’s depth chart today during his press conference. He kept it brief as he said that the Ohio State transfer would miss all of this year.

“(Ben) is injured and out for the season,” said Stoops.

Christman saw limited action over two seasons in Columbus. He committed to the Buckeyes in 2021 as a Top-150 recruit, a Top-10 IOL, and the No. 6 player out of Ohio.

Then, in the next question, Stoops shared another brief yet similar update on Nik Hall, a former three-star and Top-25 OT for Kentucky, who was announced to likely be out for the year earlier in fall camp.

“Injured and out,” Stoops said.

Hall is the son of a former Wildcat in Antonio Hall who, after redshirting his freshman season last fall, will likely have to look at a medical redshirt for this season as well.

Mark Stoops, Kentucky release official depth chart

It’s the Monday prior to Week 1, which means it’s depth chart day for most FBS programs. That includes Kentucky who posted their official Week 1 chart at noon.

Take a look and get to know the Wildcats who’ll take the field on Saturday against Ball State:

Offense

Quarterback

1. Devin Leary (6-1, 217, Super Senior)

2. Kaiya Sheron (6-3, 210, Redshirt Sophomore)

OR Destin Wade (6-3, 223, Redshirt Freshman)

Halfback

1. Ray Davis (5-10, 216, Redshirt Senior)

2. JuTahn McClain (5-9, 198, Senior)

OR Ramon Jefferson (5-10, 210, Super)

OR Demie Sumo-Karngbaye (6-0, 210, Redshirt Sophomore)

X Receiver

1. Dane Key (6-3, 195, Sophomore)

2. Dekel Crowdus (5-10, 171, Redshirt Sophomore)

Z Receiver

1. Barion Brown (6-1, 166, Sophomore)

2. Anthony Brown-Stephens (5-10, 168, Freshman)

Slot Receiver

1. Tayvion Robinson (5-11, 194, Super Senior)

2. Brandon White (5-9, 167, Redshirt Freshman)

Y Tight End

1. Brendan Bates (6-5, 251, Super Senior)

OR Josh Kattus (6-4, 231, Sophomore)

3. Khamari Anderson (6-5, 240, Freshman)

H Tight End

1. Jordan Dingle (6-4, 238, Redshirt Sophomore)

OR Izayah Cummings (6-3, 232, Senior)

3. Justice Dingle (6-3, 261, Super Senior)

Left Tackle

1. Marques Cox (6-5, 311, Super Senior)

2. Dylan Ray (6-6, 305, Sophomore)

Left Guard

1. Kenneth Horsey (6-3, 311, Super Senior)

2. Paul Rodriguez (6-5, 324, Sophomore)

Center

1. Jager Burton (6-4, 307, Redshirt Sophomore)

2. Tanner Bowles (6-5, 306, Redshirt Senior)

Right Guard

1. Eli Cox (6-4, 311, Redshirt Senior)

2. Tanner Bowles (6-5, 306, Redshirt Senior)

Right Tackle

1. Courtland Ford (6-6, 305, Redshirt Junior)

OR Jeremy Flax (6-6, 325, Senior)

Defense

Defensive End

1. Octavious Oxendine (6-1, 285, Redshirt Junior)

OR Tre’vonn Rybka (6-4, 275, Junior)

Nose Guard

1. Josaih Hayes (6-3, 309, Senior)

OR Keeshawn Silver (6-4, 315, Redshirt Sophomore)

Defensive Tackle

1. Deone Walker (6-6, 348, Sophomore)

2. Kahlil Saunders (6-5, 285, Redshirt Sophomore)

Jack Linebacker

1. J.J. Weaver (6-5, 245, Senior)

2. Noah Matthews (6-5, 240, Redshirt Freshman)

OR Tyreese Fearbry (6-5, 230, Redshirt Freshman)

Mike Linebacker

1. D’Eryk Jackson (6-1, 241, Redshirt Junior)

2. Daveren Rayner ( 6-3, 205, Senior)

Will Linebacker

1. Trevin Wallace (6-2, 240, Junior)

2. Martez Thrower (6-2, 224, Junior)

Sam/Nickel

1. Alex Afari (6-2, 203, Sophomore)

2. Keaten Wade (6-5, 240, Sophomore)

Free Safety

1. Jordan Lovett (6-2, 202, Redshirt Sophomore)

2. Ty Bryant (6-0, 287, Freshman)

Strong Safety

1. Zion Childress (6-0, 191, Junior)

OR Jalen Geiger (6-1, 197, Redshirt Junior)

Field Cornerback

1. Maxwell Hairston (6-1, 185, Redshirt Sophomore)

2. JQ Hardaway (6-3, 190, Sophomore)

Field Cornerback

1. Andru Phillips (6-0, 190, Junior)

2. Jordan Robinson (6-4, 210, Redshirt Sophomore)

Specialists

Kicker

1. Alex Raynor (6-0, 178, Senior)

2. Chance Poore (6-2, 213, Super Senior)

Punter

1. Wilson Berry (6-4, 213, Sophomore)

2. Jackson Smith (5-11, 204, Redshirt Freshman)

Long Snapper

1. Ron Gaines (6-5, 250, Senior)

2. Walker Himmebauch (6-0, 230, Freshman)

Short Snapper

1. Walker Himmebauch (6-0, 230, Freshman)

2. Ron Gaines (6-5, 250, Senior)

Punt Returner

1. Tayvion Robinson (5-11, 194, Super Senior)

2. Barion Brown (6-1, 166, Sophomore)

OR Brandon White (5-9, 167, Redshirt Freshman)

Kickoff Return

1. Barion Brown (6-1, 166, Sophomore)

2. Anthony Brown-Stephens (5-10, 168, Freshman)

Holder

1. Wilson Berry (6-4, 213, Sophomore)

2. Chance Poore (6-2, 213, Super Senior)