Some very somber news descended upon the College Football realm earlier in the year. Something that reverberated out of Las Vegas. But dampened the joyous mood all the way out in Columbus post-national championship very quickly. It was the news of the abrupt passing of a 21-year-old current UNLV player and former Ohio State Buckeye. This tragedy went down on February 11, and was inexplicable at the time. 3 months on, the reason why has become conspicuous. And it has only made things even more excruciating. So much so that OSU alum and College Football mainstay Kirk Herbstreit is directly demanding a response from the NCAA.
Conceded, his opinions as an analyst and member of the media can be polarizing. But Kirk Herbstreit has perpetually been a great ambassador for the sport. First as a player and currently in his capacity with ESPN. While he’s got to keep his neutral hat on when he’s on the mic, the blood coursing through Kirk Herbstreit’s veins is deep scarlet. His father, Jim Herbstreit, captained Ohio State in 1960. Kirk himself had this honor and privilege, too. His son Zak Herbstreit also followed on this lineage of schooling. So as the details around the death of a former player surface, he has taken to his platform and is being both a model Buckeye and a model ambassador of CFB. His words hardly ever fall on deaf ears. So naturally, others have followed suit.
The player in question is offensive lineman Ben Christman. An Ohio Native akin to Kirk Herbstreit, Christman was a part of the program in the ‘21 and ‘22 seasons. He then transferred to Kentucky, before eventually heading to UNLV. Per a report by The Courier Journal in the direct aftermath of his passing, Ben Christman had felt chest pains during practice one day prior to his death. However, an EKG revealed he didn’t have any heart issues per UNLV’s cardiologist. Turns out, this may have been a fatal oversight. The Clark County Coroner’s Office has now announced the reason for Ben Christman’s death was indeed heart-related. The Coroner’s Office deemed he suffered cardiomyopathy as well as cardiac arrhythmia. The latter of which denotes an irregular heartbeat. Just absolutely devastating.
I’m so sorry to hear this and my condolences to Ben’s family-I can’t imagine what they’re going through. It’s time we find answers to these existing cardiovascular issues and an EKG isn’t getting it done. Would love to partner with others to mandate that intercollegiate physicals… https://t.co/3KyhrUA9ge
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) May 9, 2025
Upon this news hitting the airwaves, Kirk Herbstreit took to X to offer his prayers and condolences. As well as urge the NCAA to conduct some form of probe. “I’m so sorry to hear this and my condolences to Ben’s family- I can’t imagine what they’re going through,” he said. “It’s time we find answers to these existing cardiovascular issues and an EKG isn’t getting it done. Would love to partner with others to mandate that intercollegiate physicals include echocardiograms.” Herbstrit also mentioned how his son, too, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of 20. “Too many young people are asymptomatic and unaware of any issues that exist. A mandated Echo could help save lives. It’s time for the NCAA and Conference Commissioners to take a look at this. Love to be involved,” he added.
In the light of this revelation, several other Ohio State alumni joined hands with the rest of the CFB sphere to offer solace to Ben Christman’s family and his soul over social media.
Ohio State’s alumni base joins Kirk Herbstreit in expressing their grief over Ben Christman
Reacting to the initial X post and news story by Eleven Warriors, which is what Kirk Herbstreit also quoted, a multitude of people took to the comments and quotes in sorrow as well as disgust. Former Ohio State coach and alum Jeff Davis posted a simple yet resounding “” emoji. “Prayers for the family,” wrote another OSU alum in X user Daniel Novak. The fans also chimed in, with one writing, “Sad[,] too young for his family and friends.”
“Damn shame” wrote one person, implying their stance against how Ben Christman’s condition initially went unnoticed. Before it was too late, begrudgingly. “So very sad for his family,” posted another in line with the prevailing sentiment. Kirk Herbstreit, who’s been vocal about some mental health issues recently, and all the rest of these people will hope their prayers can permeate over to Ben Christman’s loved ones. Losing a 21-year-old is difficult enough. But these circumstances make it all the more painful. Alas, it remains to be seen whether Herbstreit’s plea to the NCAA gains any traction. But that’s secondary amidst the nature of this matter. We hope Ben Christman can rest in peace.
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