Former Kentucky lineman Ben Christman died Tuesday in Las Vegas

Ben Christman, who played offensive line at Kentucky during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before transferring to UNLV, died Tuesday in Las Vegas.

UNLV Athletics announced the passing of a football player Tuesday night, but a name was never given. Confirmation of Christman’s passing was then reported Wednesday afternoon by multiple outlets. A cause of death has not yet been provided. He was 21 years old.

“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,” UNLV said in its statement from Tuesday night. “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.”

Mark Stoops shared his sympathies on social media Wednesday afternoon. “We are all at a loss right now hearing about the passing of Ben Christman. 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, a native of Akron, OH, joined the UK football program after beginning his college career at Ohio State, where he spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Buckeyes. A former four-star recruit, he then transferred to the Wildcats, but an injury in 2023 cost him that season. He primarily lined up as a special teams player in 2024 before going back into the portal this past offseason. Christman, who graduated from UK in December with a communications degree, transferred to UNLV the same month.

Just terrible news about a person who was well-loved and respected by those in the Kentucky football locker room.