Ben Christman, a promising young offensive lineman for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), tragically passed away on February 11, 2025, just one day before his 22nd birthday. The Clark County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that his death was due to cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy—heart conditions affecting the heart’s rhythm and muscle .
Christman had recently transferred to UNLV from the University of Kentucky, where he had played 12 games in the 2024 season. Prior to that, he spent two seasons at Ohio State University. At 6 feet 6 inches and 325 pounds, Christman was a standout athlete from Revere High School in Akron, Ohio, and was highly regarded as a four-star recruit in the class of 2021 .
According to reports, Christman had experienced chest pains during practice on February 10 and underwent an EKG, which appeared normal. However, he was found unresponsive in his off-campus apartment the following morning. Teammates and coaches had been unable to reach him after he missed practice, leading to the discovery of his body .
In his short time at UNLV, Christman made a significant impact on his teammates and coaches. Head Coach Dan Mullen described him as a leader who earned the respect and admiration of everyone around him. Christman was selected for the team’s Leadership Committee, reflecting his positive influence on the program
Christman is survived by his parents, Karen and Brian Christman, and his younger brothers, Thomas and Brooks. A memorial service was held in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, where friends, family, and teammates gathered to honor his memory. The family has established the Ben Christman Memorial Scholarship Fund to support future student-athletes in his name .
The loss of Ben Christman has left a profound impact on the UNLV community and the broader college football world. His legacy as a dedicated athlete, leader, and friend will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
