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Prayers Pouring In For Family Of Former Ohio State Football Player Dead At 21

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Feb 12, 2025 2:02 PM ET

The college football community received heartbreaking news this Wednesday involving former Ohio State offensive lineman Ben Christman.

Christman, a former four-star recruit, spent two seasons at Ohio State before transferring to Kentucky in 2023. After appearing in 12 games for the Wildcats this past season, he decided to transfer to UNLV. He was excited about reuniting with UNLV offensive line coach Mike Sollenne, who coached at Ohio State from 2022-2024.

Unfortunately, UNLV announced on Wednesday that Christmas has passed away at the young age of 21. He was found dead in an off-campus apartment on Tuesday morning.

"Our team's heart is broken to hear of Ben's passing," UNLV 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."

College football fans around the country are keeping the Christmas family in their thoughts and prayers. We can't imagine how difficult this must be for them.

"Prayers for the entire Christman family from Buckeye Nation," The Silver Bulletin wrote.

"The older I get the worse it gets seeing young people pass. I’m 25 years older than Ben and it makes me so sad what all he and his family will miss out on. Life is so precious, even on the tough days. Hug your friends and family and never take it for granted, not a moment," one person tweeted.

"Thinking of you all, his family and friends. Awful," another person said.

"Absolutely heartbreaking. Prayers and love to his family and friends," a social media user added.

The cause of death for Christman is unknown at this time. UNLV is offering mental health and related support services to those in need.

Our thoughts are with the Christmas family.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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