<h2>Tragic Death of Ben Christman Sparks NCAA Health Check Debate</h2><strong>A Heartbreaking Loss Sends Shockwaves Through College Football</strong>
Earlier this year, college football was struck by tragic news from Las Vegas that deeply affected even those celebrating a national championship in Columbus. On February 11, the sudden passing of 21-year-old Ben Christman, a former Ohio State Buckeye and then-current UNLV offensive lineman, left many devastated. At the time, the cause of death was unclear, but recent revelations have only intensified the pain.
<strong>Kirk Herbstreit Calls for Change</strong>
ESPN analyst and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit has stepped into the spotlight, demanding action from the NCAA in the wake of Christman’s death. Known for his influential voice in college football, Herbstreit is not just speaking as a broadcaster but as a Buckeye deeply connected to the sport through generations. His father, himself a former captain of Ohio State, and now his son, Zak, have all worn the scarlet and gray. That legacy makes Herbstreit’s reaction to this tragedy personal and passionate.
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
<strong>The Devastating Cause Revealed</strong>
Ben Christman, who had previously played for Ohio State in the 2021 and 2022 seasons before transferring first to Kentucky and then UNLV, reportedly experienced chest pain during practice a day before his passing. An initial EKG showed no signs of heart issues. But now, the Clark County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Christman died due to cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrhythmia—conditions linked to serious heart complications. This has raised serious concerns about how such conditions can go undetected in young athletes.
<strong>Herbstreit Urges NCAA to Mandate Better Screenings</strong>
After the cause of death was made public, Herbstreit took to social media to express his sorrow and frustration. He offered condolences to Christman’s family and criticized current testing protocols. “It’s time we find answers to these existing cardiovascular issues and an EKG isn’t getting it done,” he wrote. He suggested echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) be made mandatory in college sports physicals, saying it could be lifesaving.
<strong>Personal Experience Fuels His Advocacy</strong>
Herbstreit revealed that his own son was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of 20, making the issue even more personal. He emphasized that many young athletes show no symptoms and are unaware of such serious conditions. “A mandated Echo could help save lives,” he stated, calling on the NCAA and conference commissioners to take swift action.
<strong>A Unified Voice of Grief and Support</strong>
The news has united former players, coaches, and fans in mourning. Other Ohio State alumni joined Herbstreit in offering their condolences on social media. Reactions ranged from prayer emojis to heartfelt messages expressing sorrow and anger that such a condition was overlooked. Many echoed the sentiment that Christman was “too young” and that his death was a preventable tragedy.
<strong>The Bigger Picture</strong>
The passing of Ben Christman has brought renewed attention to the health screening protocols for college athletes. As discussions begin around how to improve these systems, many hope the NCAA will seriously consider Herbstreit’s plea. While changes may not happen overnight, the call for action grows louder with every life lost too soon.