Eric Boggs
The Ohio State football community is mourning the loss of two former Buckeyes, offensive lineman Ben Christman and quarterback Jim Karsatos. Their passing has deeply affected the Buckeye family, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and all who knew them.
Former Ohio State offensive lineman Ben Christman, who had recently transferred to UNLV, tragically passed away on Tuesday at his off-campus residence in Las Vegas. The Clark County Coroner’s office confirmed his passing on Wednesday, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Christman, a highly regarded four-star recruit from Akron, Ohio, was part of Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class. After spending two seasons in Columbus, he transferred to Kentucky in 2023 before making the move to UNLV this past December. He was set to play under former Ohio State assistant offensive line coach Mike Sollenne, who took over the offensive line coaching duties for the Rebels in January.
The UNLV athletic department expressed its sorrow in a statement, saying, “This is an extremely difficult day for our athletics department and the university community.” Ohio State football also paid tribute to Christman, offering condolences to his family and friends via a statement on its official social media accounts.
The Buckeye community also bids farewell to former Ohio State quarterback Jim Karsatos, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 61. A family member confirmed that he had been hospitalized with a heart condition before his passing.
A native of Fullerton, California, Karsatos made a lasting impact on Ohio State football during his six-year tenure with the team in the 1980s. After redshirting in 1981 and 1982, he spent two seasons backing up Mike Tomczak before stepping into the starting quarterback role in 1985. That season, he completed 158 of 254 passes (62.2%) for 2,115 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His tenure included one of the most memorable plays in Buckeye history—a pass to Cris Carter that remains an iconic moment in the program’s legacy.
In his senior season, Karsatos continued to excel, completing 135 of 251 passes (53.8%) for 1,927 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He finished his Ohio State career with 4,698 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. His leadership and skill earned him a place in the 1987 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 12th round. Though he spent three seasons with the Dolphins, he did not see regular-season action.
Beyond football, Karsatos built a successful career as a financial advisor in Central Ohio. In 2003, he founded the Karsatos Financial Network after working with the former Ohio Company brokerage and serving as a manager for John Hancock’s Columbus agency. His expertise and professionalism in the financial sector were recognized in a feature by the Columbus Business Journal in June 2010.
Both Christman and Karsatos embodied the values of hard work, dedication, and leadership—qualities that define the Ohio State football tradition. Their contributions, both on and off the field, will be remembered by teammates, coaches, and fans alike. As we grieve their loss, we also celebrate their legacies and the impact they had on the Buckeye community.
Our thoughts remain with their families and loved ones during this difficult time. Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye. Rest in peace, Ben and Jim.
