Additional details emerge on death of UNLV football player Ben Christman

Additional details are emerging on the death of a UNLV football player. The school announced the athlete’s death Tuesday night. The player was identified as offensive lineman Ben Christman on Wednesday afternoon.

He arrived at UNLV this offseason from Kentucky as one of a slew of additions from the transfer portal.

“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 started his college career at Ohio State, where he spent two years and appeared in one game against Indiana. He then entered the transfer portal and made his way to Kentucky, playing two seasons in Lexington. His first year was cut short due to injury, but he became a key contributor in special teams in 2024. He was set to have two years of eligibility left.

Christman then entered the portal again this year and committed to UNLV under new head coach Dan Mullen. The Rebels announced their class of newcomers just last week following the late National Signing Day.

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.

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

“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.”

UNLV underwent a coaching change this offseason after Barry Odom departed for Purdue. Dan Mullen is now in as head coach, and he was active in the transfer portal after taking over in Las Vegas. The Rebels have 40 players coming in next season, including 25 out of the portal.