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Tight end Bennett Christian suspended for 2023 after testing positive for banned substance

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•08/14/23•

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Bennett Christian by Matt Parker/Lettermen Row
Ohio State tight end Bennett Christian speaks to the media during the offseason. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day announced Monday that redshirt freshman tight end Bennett Christian won’t play in 2023 after testing positive under NCAA testing protocols in January for a banned substance in a supplement he took.

“He’s a great young man who made a mistake,” Day said Monday. “And I commend him for being transparent. He accepts his responsibility. He wants to share his story with everybody and with the team, which we’ll allow him to do later today so others don’t make the same mistake.”

Day said that Bennett will still practice with Ohio State this season, but he will not be eligible for competition, by NCAA rules, until January 2024.

“I am sorry that I put myself in this position and even more disappointed to have let down my teammates, coaching staff and family,” Bennett said via social media Monday. “I accept responsibility for my actions and for this suspension. This all could’ve been so easily avoided if I would’ve reached out to our training staff about the supplement and clarify that it was within policy. That will forever be a lesson learned and something all athletes should be aware of going forward.”

Bennett continued: “My goal this year is to be the absolute best teammate I can be, and to continue to support this program, for which I am so grateful to be a part [of]. I look forward to returning in 2024.”

Christian played 10 offensive snaps against Toledo and contributed on special teams at Michigan State last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Acworth, Georgia, native was the No. 19 tight end and No. 36 Georgia prospect in the 2022 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Christian emerged as the highest-rated prospect in Allatoona High School history while reeling in 20 passes for 250 yards for a 6A quarterfinal squad as a junior.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound tight end was the third Ohio State player to shed his black stripe during preparation for the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal last winter.

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