The transfer portal activity continues to pick up for Kentucky football, with offensive lineman Ben Christman becoming the latest player to announce his departure from Mark Stoops’ program. As the official portal opening looms on Monday, Dec. 9, Christman’s move adds to a growing list of Wildcats seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Christman’s Journey: A Promising Start Derailed by Injury
Ben Christman, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound interior lineman from Akron, Ohio, was a highly touted four-star recruit in the 2021 class. Initially signing with Ohio State, he redshirted his freshman season and appeared in just one game during his second year before deciding to transfer.
Kentucky secured Christman ahead of the 2023 season, marking a significant win for offensive line coach Zach Yenser. With his size, pedigree, and experience, Christman was a strong candidate to claim a starting role at offensive guard. However, a season-ending knee injury during fall camp derailed those plans. Despite rehabilitating his injury, Christman was unable to establish himself in the rotation under Eric Wolford in 2024, prompting his decision to explore other opportunities.
Transfer Portal Details
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Christman enters the portal as a graduate transfer, with a medical waiver potentially granting him up to two years of eligibility. His departure is the second among Kentucky’s offensive line this offseason, following Courtland Ford, another player who joined the Wildcats as a transfer.
Christman’s move underscores the challenges Kentucky’s offensive line has faced in recent seasons. While his transfer doesn’t leave a gaping hole—given his limited playing time—it highlights the constant flux of the modern college football roster.
Kentucky’s Transfer Portal Dynamics
Christman’s transfer is part of a broader trend for Kentucky this offseason. To date, 13 Wildcats have entered the portal, and more departures may be on the horizon. According to insider Adam Luckett, the team currently has only four available roster spots, meaning additional exits would be necessary for the Wildcats to make significant portal additions.
Notable players who have entered the portal include defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver, wide receivers Dane Key and Barion Brown, and linebacker Jayvant Brown. The Wildcats will need to balance these losses by strategically targeting the portal to fill key positional needs.
Looking Ahead
While Ben Christman’s time at Kentucky was marred by injury and limited impact on the field, his decision to transfer reflects a larger challenge facing college programs: maintaining roster continuity amid the ever-expanding transfer portal era.
For Kentucky, the focus now shifts to managing both incoming and outgoing players to optimize the roster. With the portal officially opening in just days, fans can expect more movement as the Wildcats aim to bolster their depth and talent in critical areas.
Kentucky Portal Tracker (So Far)
Here’s an updated look at Kentucky players who have entered the transfer portal this offseason:
- Defensive Line: Keeshawn Silver, Tommy Ziesmer
- Defensive Back: Avery Stuart
- Linebacker: Jayvant Brown
- Offensive Line: Courtland Ford, Ben Christman
- Tight End: Tanner Lemaster, Khamari Anderson, Jordan Dingle
- Wide Receiver: Dane Key, Barion Brown, Anthony Brown-Stephens
- Special Teams: Walker Himebauch (Long Snapper)
With several key departures already confirmed, Kentucky’s offseason roster management will be critical as they prepare for the season.